08/11/2026
Students in our Emphasis Program spent the day with Dr. Jenna Humphrey learning how to recognize the abundance of food growing all around us. From open fields to wooded trails, they explored the landscape with fresh eyes, discovering edible plants, learning how to harvest them responsibly, and understanding how wild foods have nourished people for generations.
The day's harvest became lunch as students prepared wood sorrel-ade, sautéed purslane, sautéed wild carrot, yellow dock seed brownies, and a comforting chicken soup filled with freshly foraged greens. It was a day of learning by doing—identifying, gathering, cooking, tasting, and asking lots of questions along the way.
And, of course, every memorable class has its unexpected moment. While making the brownies, the cocoa powder was accidentally replaced with a full cup of cinnamon! Once a nearby student rescued the cocoa, the class decided to make both versions. Surprisingly, the cinnamon brownies were a hit and gave everyone a good laugh.
Our Emphasis Program is designed to give students experiences they simply can't get from a textbook. Whether they're out in the rain identifying plants, harvesting seeds, or sharing a meal they've created together, these hands-on days help build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Thank you to Dr. Jenna Humphrey for another wonderful day of teaching and to our students for embracing every part of the experience. We can't wait to see where the next adventure takes us. 🌿🍃
