Discover edible plants at next Wildlife and Nature Education class

Eagle Mountain City invites residents and visitors to its next Wildlife and Nature Education class on Wednesday, June 18 at 7 p.m. at Eagle Mountain City Hall, featuring guest speaker Mike Wood, a self-taught expert in edible and medicinal plants native to Utah.

With over 15 years of experience, Wood has become a trusted local resource for those curious about the natural world around them, especially the often-overlooked plants that grow in our own backyards.

His passion began unexpectedly in 2010 when he volunteered to help with a youth group event. That experience sparked a deep curiosity that led him to study edible plants and their uses, both for nutrition and healing.

What began as a personal journey has grown into a community effort. Wood created a website, wildutahedibles.com, to catalog his findings and share information with others. When people began asking for guided tours, he started offering hands-on excursions to teach about the practical uses of local flora.

His approach emphasizes reconnecting with the land, encouraging people to better understand and appreciate the environment they live in.

At the June 18 class, attendees can expect a fascinating and accessible introduction to the world of edible plants; what they are, where to find them, how to identify them safely and how they’ve been used throughout history.

As part of the class, there may be a brief outdoor excursion near City Hall, the library, or a nearby hill in The Ranches, weather and time permitting. Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable walking shoes and water if a walk is included.

Wood is also the author of the book Wild Utah Edible, which offers more in-depth insight into the plants he studies and promotes.

Eagle Mountain City’s Wildlife and Nature Education series is a monthly program designed to foster appreciation for the natural world and promote sustainable interactions with local ecosystems. The classes are free and open to the public.

For more information, visit eaglemountaincity.com/events or follow Eagle Mountain City on social media.