“Wild Spices”

with The Conservation Foundation & The Wild Dryad

Learn to identify plants commonly found in local landscapes that can be used for culinary herbs and spices.

Kyla Muhammad from The Conservation Foundation and Shane Alden, The Wild Dryad, will share their expertise in botany that also includes tips to safely identify, prepare, and incorporate wild herbs and spices into dishes.

Join us for this special early National Garden Week Presentation in partnership with Indian Prairie Public Library.

IPPL Registration: Coming Tuesday, May 19th at 9 a.m.:

Registration Required for All (members and non-members)

6:30 pm - Social Time - Come early to learn more about our active club/s for all ages!
7:00 pm - Presentation - “Wild Spices” with The Conservation Foundation and The Wild Dryad

Kyla Muhammad is the Will County Program Director at The Conservation Foundation. She supports existing TCF programs, creates tailored, community-centered programs with local partners, and leads youth and adult educational programs. She is a wild edible plant enthusiast who has given foraging-related presentations and workshops for libraries, colleges, garden clubs, and other community groups. Kyla is also an Illinois Master Naturalist and has studied wild edible plants, urban agriculture, permaculture, and lawn-free design. Kyla earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Roosevelt University.

Shane Alden, “The Wild Dryad”

Here is his bio in his own words:

I'm a self-taught illustrator, botanist, and educator who has been featured on the Chicago Tribune, the Wild Edible World Podcast, and more. I've been teaching communities about botany for 5 years now and I've recently collaborated with The Conservation Foundation and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago as an instructor teaching about edible wild plants.

​I studied acting and improv at Second City which has allowed for a steady transition into teaching and on-camera work. I've always had an interest in the outdoors but began gaining a passion for botany while drawing plants and becoming aware of aquaponics. Sharing my learning endeavors  has garnered a community of over 500,000 people across different platforms.

​I've traveled to several countries and cities for research on plants and ecology. In addition to North American ecology, I also studied Southeast Asian plants in Indonesia. 

​I believe that creating a healthy environment through hands-on learning and research can aid anyone who is willing to learn about the natural world around them. 

Join us as we Celebrate National Garden Week

in our Community!