THE HUMANS BEHIND WFS
There have been hundreds of people participating in Wild Foragers Society since 2013, and three who have been co-facilitating along the way. Together, we plot out frolics, scheme ways to get people to touch plants, and lead groups through urban and rural green spaces. Sometimes we post stuff on social media, but we really don't love that part...
LEE EARL
Co-Founder | She/Her
A human of white settler descent with roots in Ireland, the Netherlands, Britain and other places • Lucky to work outside regularly with people of all ages, exploring the spaces in between the urban - the ravines, watersheds and cracks in the pavement • Favourite plant is always changing but White Pine trees and Mugwort stay near the top • Easily distracted by birds, mammals, bugs and beautiful skies • “I love Wild Foragers Society because it’s a place to celebrate plants!”
SAMMY TANGIR
VP of Awesome | She/Her
A blend of Isreali/Brazilian/Romanian/Russian currently living on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough • Seed farmer, Outdoor Educator • Favorite plant this year: Black Walnut trees for their amazing smell, tasty nuts and enchanting leaves • Easily distracted by birds and the skeletons of dead plants come winter • “I love Wild Foragers Society because it connects me with this endless excitement to grow more deeply entwined to the world around me.”
REBECCA LAMB
Co-Founder | She/Her
Daughter of many originating from Britain, Scotland and Ireland who settled in Ontario; raised where Lake Simcoe meets Lake Couchiching and currently rooted in Prince Edward County, the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nation • Community worker and civil servant • Give me nettles any day, any way • Easily distracted by fungi and fruits • “I love Wild Foragers Society because it introduces and connects me to new plant pals.”
OUR LIMITATIONS
Ideally, we'd love for frolics to be barrier-free so everyone can participate, however, we do acknowledge the following limitations based on our current structure:
Frolics are led in English as this is our first language. You do not need to be a fluent English speaker to still participate in, and enjoy a frolic. Attendees are invited to share plant knowledge from their own culture(s), language(s), and geographic places they have called home.
Frolics take place in areas that are not always physically accessible to all people. When choosing a location we consider the natural assets we want to highlight + accessibility, parking, public transit, and amenities like washrooms. Details of the physical location will be included in each frolic's post including the terrain, length of walk, and potential barriers or hazards. If you use a mobility support device, and/or are hoping to bring your babe in a stroller and are concerned about being able to participate please reach out and we will strive to accommodate you!
There are so many ways of knowing plants. We bring our lived and learned knowledge, skills and experience to WFS with the best intentions to create connections. Our sharing includes (but is not limited to) academic/scientific botanical and/or horticultural teachings. These teachings have been, and continue to be, dominated by white-bodied, cis-males often from a settler/colonial worldview. We acknowledge the presence of systemic racism when it comes to outdoor/nature access and enjoyment - especially for those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour and we are invested in dismantling these systems where possible so that everyone can enjoy relationships with each other and plants.
Frolics are 100% volunteer run by Lee, Sammy and Rebecca and we do not financially benefit from them. This passion project fills our hearts, but we have limited capacity to expand on the current format while keeping it free of charge (and thus accessible to more people). Community sharing is so valuable; we strive to make space for everyone to contribute at frolics, and especially to amplify diverse voices. We would love to welcome guest facilitators of diverse backgrounds to share their plant perspectives and are working to find a way to do this while keeping frolics free. Please reach out if you have interest or suggestions for specific future collaborations.
We are life-long students of the natural world, and although we cannot provide all the answers to your plant questions (remember: enthusiasts, not experts) we promise to help point you in the right direction for your own learning. Field guides, trusted websites, knowledgeable outdoor enthusiasts, your grandmother, trees... the list of teachers and resources is long! We are not medical doctors, nutritionists, registered herbalists or trained in pre-natal care; our invitation to incorporate plants into your life is based on our own lived or learned experience and should never be taken as professional medical advice.