Native plants to be featured in LU "Dining Wild' event

Lincoln University Cooperative Extension's (LUCE) Native Plants Program (NPP) is having a "Dining Wild' experience from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Scruggs University Center at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

The event will include native plant garden tours, exhibits, a social mixer, presentations and dinner.

Registration and exhibits start at 3 p.m. at the Lincoln's Scruggs University Center lobby located at 820 Chestnut St. Garden tours leave from Scruggs at 3:15 and 4:15 p.m. followed by a social mixer in the Scruggs lobby from 5-6 p.m., where wine samples and appetizers will be served.

At 6:15 p.m., Dr. Nadia Navarrete-Tindall, LUCE State Extension Specialist, will offer a presentation on native edibles of Missouri in the Scruggs ballroom followed by dinner. Special guest Bill Ruppert, horticulturist, native plant champion and Missouri Prairie Foundation Grow Native Committee member will present a program entitled "Native Plants - Beyond Beauty: Plants that Really Work" at 7:30 p.m.

Most of the meal, appetizers and beverages will include or be flavored with native edible plants such as dittany, stinging nettle, mountain mint, sumac and wild leeks. Missouri grown produce and meats including buffalo meatloaf with wild leeks will be available as well as various vegetarian dishes.

The cost of the event is $25. Checks with names and contact information should be sent to Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) c/o Shirley Downing, 900 Chestnut St., Allen Hall Room 102, Jefferson City, MO 65101. For more information, email [email protected] or call 573-681-5168.

"The primary mission for LUCE's NPP is to increase awareness about native plant diversity and the importance for conservation and wildlife in urban and rural areas," said Navarrette-Tindall. "An important goal of the NPP is to evaluate native plants with potential as specialty crops. During this event participants will have the opportunity to taste some of these edible native plants and learn to prepare them."

For more information, special accommodations or to inquire about having a booth at this event, contact Sue Bartelette at [email protected] or call 573-819-5581.