Wild Foods Weekend returning to North Bend State Park

CAIRO - The 56th annual Nature Wonder Weekend - known to many as Wild Foods Weekend - is returning to North Bend State Park Friday through Sunday.

The longest-running event of its kind in the nation, the weekend provides nature lovers and outdoor adventurers a chance to enjoy guided nature hikes and educational workshops focused on foraging, preparing and enjoying wild food, according to a release from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

"Nature Wonder Weekend is one of the most unique traditions in West Virginia and a great example of how we're helping more people experience the joy of spending time outdoors," said West Virginia DNR Director Brett McMillion. "Whether you’re an experienced forager or just curious about wild foods, this event is a great way to learn something new and become part of a community that truly appreciates the beauty of our state."

Sponsored by the National Wild Foods Association, the DNR and North Bend State Park, the event honors the legacy of its founder, Edelene Wood, a Parkersburg resident and nationally recognized wild food expert who started the gathering in 1968.

Throughout the weekend, participants can choose from leader-led foraging walks and educational workshops covering plant identification, preparation and medicinal uses. Featured speakers for this year’s event include:

* Bill Beatty, a distinguished West Virginia outdoor education specialist, naturalist, author and nature photographer with over 50 years of Appalachian foraging experience. His approach highlights wild plants as a nutritious, delicious and free way to diversify human diets.

* Dave Hawkins, a master herbalist and owner of Mother Earth Foods in Parkersburg, known as the "Herb Doc," who has studied natural healing since the early 1970s.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to showcase their culinary talents during the Saturday social hour, which features contests for best wild food, wild cake and wild drink.

People must be registered to participate in the events and can do so online at https://wvdnr.gov/nature-wonder-weekend/.

Lodging and food options are available as well.

Wild Foods Weekend returning to North Bend State Park

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