Webinar #7: Indigenous Foraging and Conservation, August 27, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scpZFJ_K_8M

"It begins with the land and water. My family has always stressed the importance of protecting water, as it is the greatest gift given by the Creator. The relationships formed through respect for the land and the act of harvesting instill a lifestyle that brings mutual benefits, not only to the individual but also to the land. What we take from the land must always be given back," says Chef Candace.  "The reciprocal relationship with our communities and the sustainability of our indigenous land stewardship practices are crucial. Foraging as an immersive experience and the importance of respectful harvesting practices are key steps in this process. For those who may not wish to forage or farm, sourcing from responsible farmers or companies is a great alternative."

August 27, 2025

Webinar Topic:

Indigenous Foraging and Conservation

Webinar Hosts:

Noreen Thomas, MNWiC Northwest Region Coordinator

Alex Kiminski, MNWiC West Central Region Coordinator

Conservation Professionals:

Micayla Nelson, Fergus Falls NRCS

Micayla has been a Soil Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Fergus Falls, serving West Otter Tail County, for 2 years. Since moving to Minnesota seven years ago, she has worked and volunteered for various conservation agencies, including US Fish and Wildlife Service, Pheasants Forever, and the Pomme de Terre River Association. Micayla grew up in Montana on a dryland wheat farm and beef cattle ranch where she experienced firsthand the intersection of farming and land stewardship, and where the first spark of her interest in ecology was ignited. Her favorite projects to work on through NRCS are ones where she gets to help producers integrate native plants into their operations, whether it be wildflower & grass plantings, forest improvements, or new tree plantings.

Practitioner:

Chef Candace Stock, Indigenous Forager and Chef

Chef Candace grew up on the White Earth Reservation, and trained at the Culinary Institute of America. Her passion for indigenous foods has always been her calling. She grew up on a farm in Mahnomen, MN, where she tended to the family garden and enjoyed exploring the woods.

Links to Resources Shared in the Webinar: 

Renewing the Countryside: https://www.renewingthecountryside.org/

MNWiC: https://www.mnwic.org/

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: https://www.trlibrary.com/

Wide Eyed Outside Foraging Laws in Minnesota: https://wideeyedoutside.com/blog/f/foraging-laws-in-minnesota

Daisy Girl Organic Plants & Trees: https://www.facebook.com/p/Daisy-Girl-Organic-Perennials-100064438369654/

Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force: https://www.lcc.mn.gov/foraging/

Environmental Quality Incentives Program: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/environmental-quality-incentives-program

Soil & Water Conservation Districts: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/soil-water-conservation-districts

Web Soil Survey: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/

UM Extension – Soil Testing Resources: https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/soil-testing-lawns-and-gardens#measuring-soil-biology-3442163

Clay County Tree Orders: https://claycountymn.gov/324/Tree-Orders

2026 Tree & Shrub Price List: https://claycountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5081/2025-Tree-Price-List?bidId=

Native Plant Finder: https://nativeplantfinder.nwf.org/Plants

UM Extension – Growing Edible Fruits & Nuts: https://extension.umn.edu/agroforestry/growing-edible-fruits-and-nuts

Creating Climate-ready Woodlands: https://extension.umn.edu/forestry/creating-climate-ready-woodlands

Conservation Tree & Shrub Group Tool: https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/state/MN/documents/section=2&folder=55720

Doubting Thomas Farms: https://doubtingthomasfarms.com/

Salsify and Its Many Uses: https://www.mofga.org/resources/vegetables/growing-salsify/

Contact info for Candace Stock: Candace.stock@gmail.com

Contact info for Micayla Nelson: micayla.nelson@usda.gov

About Minnesota Women in Conservation

Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) is a project of Renewing the Countryside in partnership with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). MNWiC's mission is to engage women in conservation conversations, connecting them with the tools and resources needed to develop their own goals. We facilitate Regional Networks  to help all women of every experience level to learn and to implement practices in their own spaces, both urban and rural.  We are here to nurture land and community. Join us!

Join Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) for a Welcoming Wednesday Webinar! These interactive Zooms are intended to provide relevant and actionable information about land and water stewardship, while also connecting like-minded women over lunch hour conversations. They recur on the fourth week each month.  

Disclaimer

While the MNWiC project strives to make the information provided to individuals as timely and accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the content of our webinars. The information presented is solely the speakers’ expressed views and MNWiC expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in content.