Erica Wohldmann on Wild Food Foraging

EVENT DATE: Sunday, March 9, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
VENUE: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, 13325 Beach Ave, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292

In 2013, Erica Wohldmann traveled through 16 states and Canada, living in National Forests and on other public lands, foraging all of her food. "Food is required for life," she says, "and what we’re eating is killing us." Having reconnected with nature and her food in this extraordinary way, Erica will share an empowering tale of how she nourished her body and soul while discussing the social and environmental importance of preserving the land on which our food grows.

While exploring North America on a quest to reclaim a diet naturally available, Erica occasionally gleaned from farmers markets and dumpsters, but mainly subsisted on what she found growing in the wild. "I traveled from forest to forest, chasing the rain, gathering wild and medicinal mushrooms, fruits, berries, vegetables, acorns, nuts, edible seeds for making breads, herbs for flavoring dishes, teas, and ingredients for medicinal beers that I crafted on the campfire.  Along the way I met a variety of interesting characters—farmers, foragers, hunters, and random strangers—who shared their wisdom, their food, and their homes."

Erica holds a joint Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science (Philosophy of Mind) from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She is a professor at California State University, Northridge, where she teaches classes about eco-psychology, the psychology and politics behind our food choices, and best practices in sustainability. Her research focuses on food and consumer choices. In the community, Erica also teaches workshops on herbal and medicinal brewing, wild-food foraging, and primitive skills.