Preregistration required for this program geared toward adults
Humans have used elder for thousands of years. Elderberries have been found in Egyptian tombs, folk tales point to centuries of use in Europe, and the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates called elder the “medicine chest of the people,” believing he could heal any part of the body with the plant.
Modern scientific methods have revealed elder’s unique combination of antioxidants including antiviral compounds. Not only are elderberries a “superfruit,” but our native American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is small enough to grow in a suburban yard and it benefits pollinators and birds.
During this in-the-field class, we’ll draw upon natural history of this native shrub as we look for advice on how to propagate, grow, and prune elder bushes, contending with birds while you wait for your elderberries to ripen, and fruit harvesting. We’ll touch on a range of culinary uses for the flowers (fresh, dried, frozen) and fruits (fresh, juiced, dried, or frozen) and provide a few samples. This class includes a start for a new elderberry bush.
What to expect: This class takes place outside and/or in an unheated barn. We will do some walking (not more than ½ mile) on level terrain. Dress for the weather.
Registered program participants should meet at the white Creekside Barn at Long Branch Farm & Trails (6926 Gaynor Road, Goshen, OH 45122).
About the instructor: A 25+ year veteran of Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC), Jason Neumann currently serves as public programs manager, crafting experiences that immerse visitors in nature and leading interpretive trainings. He works towards translating CNC’s “plant native” initiative into visitor engagement opportunities and has a special interest in connecting people to nature through food. Growing up on a small farm sparked his deep interest in agriculture which was fanned to flame through a BS degree in Crop and Soil Sciences (Michigan State University), and later a graduate certificate in Agroforestry (University of Missouri – Columbia). Drawing from the perspective of a farmer/naturalist, he seeks to work with nature whether in his suburban backyard operation called Someday Farm, the CNC Edible Plants and Foraging Group (founded in 2013) or managing the native perennial polyculture plots and native 2-acre pawpaw grove at Long Branch Farm & Trails. Jason is on the board of the Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association.
Member adult $12; nonmember adult $22 (includes daily admission).
By registering below, you agree to the following:
Pet Policy for Programs/Events: For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed at programs or events. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome. Therapy animals, whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support, do not qualify as service animals. For more information about pets on our grounds, please see our pet policies on our website.
Cancellation Policy: Please note that cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. No refunds or transfers of fees will occur if the request is made less than two weeks prior to the event. All programs continue, rain or shine. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued.
Program Policy: Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program.
Media Release: All participants (18 and older) associated with this transaction grant permission to Cincinnati Nature Center to utilize images, likenesses, actions, or statements in any form taken during a visit to the Nature Center, at a Nature Center sponsored event, or virtual presentation for the purpose of promoting the Nature Center in perpetuity.
Important Information For All Program Registrants: Please retain your order number or print off/save an electronic copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program.