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Chu Chua plans NTFP workshops

Interested in learning more about useful products from the forest?

Interested in learning more about useful products from the forest? Two fun and informative workshops are coming up in Chu Chua in the Simpcw First Nation administrative office.

The first, on Saturday, Oct. 1, will be titled Non-Timber Forest Products and the Healing Forest. Hosts will be Tim Brigham of Royal Roads University’s Center for Livelihoods and Ecology, and Clearwater herbal specialist Sharon Neufeld.

The workshop will explore non-timber forest products in the local forest with a focus on healing plants.

Participants will learn how to make their own salves and lip balms using healing herbs from local fields and forests.

The following day, Oct. 2, will be a workshop titled Wreath Making, with Betty and Ken Foote of Barriere. Betty Foote (formerly Betty Shore) is credited by some with creating the pine mushroom (matsutake) industry in B.C.

Participants in this workshop will use local boughs, greens and cones to create beautiful wreathes and other decorative products.

The objective will be to learn the complete process for wreath production, from sustainable harvesting through to potential sale opportunities.

Cost for the workshops will be $30 each. Because part of each day will be spent in the bush, participants should dress in practical clothes for the weather, with good walking shoes or boots.

Sponsorship for the workshops is coming from Wells Gray Community Forest Corporation.

For those who miss the workshops in Chu Chua or who want to learn more, Neufeld will lead several in Clearwater at the Community Resource Center.

 

On Oct. 15 she will teach a seminar titled Harvesting Herbs. On Oct. 22 the topic will be Crafting With Herbs, and on Oct. 29 she will teach Ointments, Creams and Salves. On Dec. 3 the topic will be Wreath Making.