From Forest to Table: Fall Foraging Basics

Join us at Kessler Mountain Outdoor Classroom and Nature Center on September 14th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for an immersive foraging experience! Led by guest presenter Tim Hammer, this class offers an introduction to the edible plants and mushrooms that thrive in our region during the fall season. 

Tim will start with a slideshow presentation inside, followed by a hike on the Kessler Mountain Outdoor Classroom trails, with extra focus on wild spices of the Ozarks which can be found in the fall.

Class Schedule

📍 8:45 AM – Check-in

❓ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM – Presentation, class discussion, and Q&A session

🥾 11:00 AM - Noon – Guided foraging hike

Who Can Join?

This class is open to all ages, though participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to Bring:

✔ Long pants & closed-toe shoes (required)

✔ Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, jacket, layers)

✔ Reusable water bottle

✔ Snacks or a sack lunch to enjoy during the Q&A

Come discover the hidden bounty of the forest and gain the skills to safely identify and harvest wild edibles! 🌱🍄

Space is limited, so sign up today!

Ticket Information

• Adult tickets (18 - 64) - $15

• Teen tickets (12-17) = $10

• Senior tickets (65+) = $10

• Children 12 and under = Free

  • All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

    
    

    All proceeds go to support research, community science, and education at Ozark Natural Science Center.

About Ozark Natural Science Center 

Our Mission: To strengthen the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of land, water, and wildlife in the Ozarks.

Our Vision: Everyone should have the opportunity to connect with the outdoors. We inspire and educate our community to protect the Ozarks.

Our Core Values:

• Create clear and engaging educational programs

• Provide hands-on experiences in the outdoors

• Encourage responsibility for the natural world

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What We Do: At ONSC, we help people connect with nature through fun, hands-on science activities. Since 1992, we’ve been the only overnight science center in Arkansas. We’ve hosted more than 100,000 students through field trips, camps, and workshops.

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We also rent out our space—including lodges, tiny houses, an event center, classrooms, and campgrounds—so visitors can enjoy the outdoors.

We believe everyone has the right to receive outdoor education. No matter your background, we are here to help you to explore science and nature!

About the Instructor

Born and raised in the Ozarks, Tim Hammer has spent a lifetime exploring the rich and diverse landscapes of the region. With a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas, Tim’s passion for plants goes beyond the classroom—he’s lived it. From owning and operating Homegrown, a beloved farm-to-table restaurant, to leading foraging adventures, he has dedicated his career to celebrating the connection between nature and nourishment. Now, Tim focuses on teaching others the art of foraging and gardening, helping people discover the beauty, flavor, and sustainability of the wild foods that thrive in the Ozarks. His hands-on, engaging approach makes learning both fun and delicious—because nature’s pantry is full of surprises!