Fish and Game offers $6 foraging class at Matanuska River Park

Fish and Game is running a $6 foraging class at Matanuska River Park in Palmer on Aug. 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Forager Michele Harmeling will walk the trails and answer what the flyer calls the age-old forager's question: "Can I eat this, or will it kill me?!?"

All ages welcome, though kids need a registered adult with them. Registration is required through the department's Alaskans Afield page.

Some wild-food educators argue that classes at easy-access spots like Matanuska River Park add harvest pressure to plant populations local and subsistence gatherers rely on, and should come with strong sustainable-harvest messaging.

Worth knowing before you go: the state health department noted July 1 that water hemlock is the most toxic plant in North America.