They "Eat" the Ozarks. You Can Learn How, Too
For centuries, residents of the Ozarks have eaten from the land — both what we plant and what we find. The flora growing in our hills and valleys has also long been used for healing and spiritual practices. What edibles are out there waiting for you to discover? How can they be used? These regional authors and foraging experts will help you look at the weeds in your yard differently, and empower you to see for yourself what’s Rooted in the Ozarks.
Foraging the Ozarks
Wednesday, March 2, 6 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Foraging remains a popular activity among the Ozarks’ outdoor community, supported in large part by established local restaurateurs and other buyers of wild herbs, berries and nuts. Bo Brown, author of “Foraging the Ozarks,” will highlight commonly found edibles and offer recipes and helpful tips on what an Ozarks outdoor enthusiast needs to pick it, cook it and eat it. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Crosspatch: Cranky Musings on Gardening in Rocky Ground
Saturday, March 5, 2 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Veteran journalist Marideth Sisco’s well-known gardening column, Crosspatch, delighted readers of the West Plains Quill for years, and her radio show, “These Ozarks Hills,” entertains listeners with tales of the Ozarks culture, history and folklore. Marideth shares some of her “cranky musings on gardening in rocky ground” from her time studying and documenting the unique landscape of the Ozarks. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
“Ozark Folk Magic: Plants, Prayers & Healing”
Saturday, March 19, 2 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Providing lore, verbal charms, healing plants, herbal recipes and magical tools and alignments, folk healer Brandon Weston sheds light on the region’s secretive culture and shows you how to heal both yourself and others in his book, “Ozark Folk Magic.” Brandon combines personal stories and down-to-earth advice to share medicinal uses for native Ozarks plants and how to optimize healing. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Eating the Ozarks: Infused Vinegars with Rachael West
Wednesday, March 30, 6 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. Chef and foraging educator Rachael West, founder of Eating the Ozarks, will demonstrate how to make your own infused vinegars using foraged ingredients from the Ozarks outdoors, and share some of the history behind this versatile kitchen staple. Participants will sample an 1850s “blue spruce lemonade” made with infused vinegar, and make a bottle of infused vinegar to take home. Supplies and recipes will be provided. Registration starts March 16; call 417-883-5341
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