Seaweed Classes

Seaweed Foraging Adventure: East Bay

Join longtime forager and herbalist Tanya for a coastal forage in the East Bay, where you'll learn to identify, harvest, and understand the many uses of local seaweed like Bladderwrack, Turkish Washcloth, and Sea Lettuce.

This 2-3 hour class is a hands-on exploration of seaweed along the intertidal zone. Tanya will guide you through responsible harvesting techniques, and share insight into the health benefits of seaweed—from cardiovascular support to its role in thyroid and immune function.

This is a coastal forage during low tide. You won't need to get in the water, but we recommend wearing sturdy shoes with good traction.

Please note this event is for ages 9 and up.

Seaweed Foraging Adventure: Sonoma Coast

Examine underwater life with our resident seaweed expert. Heidi has been sustainably harvesting and selling seaweed for over a decade: she knows what to pick, how to pick it, and most importantly, how to make it taste delicious! This two to three-hour guided foray will meet on the beach in Sonoma, and be followed by a talk on what you collected, the science of seaweed, and how to cook your catch. You can expect to collect up to 10 lbs. of edible seaweed. This is a coastal forage during low tide. You won't need to get in the ocean but we recommend wearing rain boots.

Please note this event is for ages 9 and up.

Check out this SF Chronicle piece on the classes (with a video!)

Seaweed Scouting Exploration: Half Moon Bay

Spend a day exploring the shoreline with Tanya, where you'll learn to identify and gather seaweeds like kombu, rockweed, bladderwrack, and dulse. As you walk along the coast, you'll see how the shoreline changes with the seasons and understand what these plants tell us about the health of the ocean. Tanya will also talk about sustainable harvesting practices and the cultural importance of these seaweeds, especially to Native American communities. With Tanya's over 3 decades of experience in herbalism and ethnobotany, you'll pick up plenty of practical knowledge along the way. No need to get in the water, just wear sturdy shoes and be ready for a relaxed, informative day by the ocean.

Please note this event is for ages 9 and up.