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Wild Rice Soup: The Ecology, History and Harvest of Wisconsin’s Native Grain
August 8, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
$30.00 – $45.00
This class will take place August 8, 22 and 29, 3:00-5:00p.m. at the Mercer Community Center, with an optional field trip September 8, with teachers John Olson of WDNR and Peter David of GLIFWC, both retired biologists.
Join two retired experts on wild rice for a fascinating, informative (and delicious!) class on Wisconsin’s native grain. Learn about the cultural significance of wild rice, or manoomin, to the Ojibwe, threats of climate change, and restoration efforts. Plus in the third, hands-on session, you’ll learn how to make a “knocker,” and have a wild rice tasting experience. You have the option to register for three classroom sessions only, or to sign up for the additional field trip and see how wild rice is harvested!
Session 1: Introduction to Manoomin
Ecology, Taxonomy, Habitat Requirements, Lifecycle, Annual Variation, etc.
Ecological Values: To wildlife, water quality, etc.
[Break]
Cultural Significance: In Ojibwe society, to early European explorers, and in the treaties.
Traditional Harvesting & Finishing
Session 2: Wild Rice Stewardship
Threats (Including Climate Change)
Abundance Surveys
Trends in Abundance, Status today
[Break]
Cooperative Restoration Efforts (Including Committees and Plans)
Restoration Techniques
What you can do for Manoomin
Session 3: Rice Harvest Today
Contemporary Harvesting: Western Great Lakes (WI, MI, MN)
Rules and Regulations
Technique & Etiquette in the field
Safety & “critters-in-the-canoe”
Making “Knockers”; Pushpole or paddle options
Finishing Options
Website and Resources
Cooking and Sampling!
WILD Wild Rice versus Cultivated
Session 4: Optional Field Trip Day
Respectful Harvesting. Location and details TBD depending on interest. (May require purchase of a Wisconsin Wild Ricing License (available only to Wisconsin residents)).
Instructors: John Olson and Peter David
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 892-3982 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.