Persimmon, elderberry, wild plum, goldenglow, wild leeks and several other native edible plants are found naturally in Missouri. It is time for you to try them!
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension's Native Plants Program will host Dining Wild from 2-7 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Scruggs University Center on the Lincoln University campus.
The event will include native plant garden tours, educational exhibits, a social mixer, a guest speaker and dinner. The goal of Dining Wild is to promote native edible plants that have the potential to be grown as specialty crops.
Registration and exhibits start at 2 p.m. in the Scruggs University Center lobby, located at 820 Chestnut St. Garden tours leave from the tent along Chestnut Street near the west entrance to Scruggs at 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. A social mixer runs from 4-5 p.m. on the first floor of Scruggs lobby. Wine samples donated by local wineries and appetizers will be served. Exhibits will be on display in the Scruggs lobby throughout the event.
Dinner starts at 5 p.m. Most of the dinner, appetizers and beverages are prepared with native edible plants and locally grown produce and meats. Vegetarian dishes will be available.
Carol Davit, a Jefferson City resident and executive director of the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) will be the guest speaker. She has been recognized several times for her work in conservation in Missouri. MPF owns more than 3,200 acres of prairie in 20 tracts around the state that are open for public enjoyment and education.
Included in her presentation will be information about MPF's Carver Prairie, a 163-acre track of land 5 miles southeast of Joplin.
The Dining Wild dinner costs $30.00 per person, which includes appetizers, dinner and the after-dinner program. A check with your name and contact information should be sent to Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) c/o Shirley Downing, 900 Chestnut St., Allen Hall Room 102, Jefferson City, MO 65101 by Monday. Parking is available at nearby lots located on Chestnut Street. Look for signs.
Scholarships to attend the event are available for students and individuals with limited resources.
Gardens tours and educational exhibits can be visited free of charge.
For more information, contact Maria Isabel Jacome at 573-681-5493 or [email protected], or Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall at 573-681-5392 or [email protected].
This event is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Missouri Department of Agriculture in cooperation with Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, and the Missouri Prairie Foundation.