Useful Plants of Oregon. Survival and wilderness living applications are the emphasis of our wild plant field classes. We will focus on learning how to identify wild plants and their uses for survival and wilderness living applications. You will discover common wild plants that grow near you and how to include them in your diet, medical kit, and material uses.
Useful Oregon Plants
DETAILS
Location: McKenzie Bridge, Oregon Cascades
Dates: May 08-10, 2026
Tuition: $200.00 Purchase by CHECK.
Please see the drop down menu to purchase via PayPal $207.74
READ: Registration Policies before purchasing camp.
Useful Wild Plants
Foods and medicine
It's easy to add wild plants to your seasonal menu. Coastal plants, trees, and fungi give us a bounty of uses.
Traditional plants use
Coastal native peoples have depended on wild plants for thousands of years. Wild plants like the Stinging Nettle in the photo are a crucial resource for making fishing lines and nets. Using the strong inner fibers of this plant.

String making
Learn how to gather and prepare plant fibers to make string. Try your hand at string making while learning how and when to harvest useful plants for cordage. You will use Stinging Nettle and other wild plants during this outdoor course.

Wild berries
Who can say no to a fresh berry pie from ripe Oregon coast berries? But that's not all. Some berries are cooked and made into syrup as an antiviral tonic.
Wild plants have so much to offer the outdoor forager. Book your spot today and begin your discovery of the useful wild plants of Oregon.
Useful Fungi

The Oregon coast is rich in edible and useful wild plants. Wild plants also include fungi. Mushrooms of a dizzying variety and diversity.
Forage for Mushrooms
Fall is the time of year we learn to identify, forage, and discover our favorite wild edible mushrooms. There is simply nothing as fun as a mushroom hunt in the forests of the Oregon coast!

Useful Coastal Plants
Testimonials
"Mark,Thank you for the great weekend learning about plants. It was an unforgettable weekend with my dad. I learned a ton and can’t stop talking about it with friends. Today I’m going on my third hike since to keep fresh what I learned and to continue identifying. I think what you do is invaluable and essential for people rekindling their relationship with nature." ~Joshua Fackrell
Edible and Useful Oregon Wild Plants
Useful Plants for Survival
Registration Information
- Driving directions, gear list, start time, and forms specific to your class are provided upon registration
- Leave No Trace: Pack it in and pack it out
Location and accommodations
Check under DETAILS at the top of the page for class locations.
- Students: adults and teens 16 an older with parental consent - enrollment maximum ten
- Camp duration: Friday afternoon - Sunday afternoon
- Location: east of Eugene, OR near McKenzie Bridge
- Accommodations: camping included
- Meals not provided. A recommended food and gear list will be provided upon registration.
- Equipment: an email registration packet will be supplied after enrollment
- Parking: included
- Transport: see additional services for airport & bus shuttle
- Registration policies
We reserve the right to add to or omit any of the course topics listed.
Parking, campsite, cooking and washup area, provided.
Mark J. Wienert Instructor
Mark J. Wienert is a professional survival instructor. Mark has been instructing adults and teenagers since 1994. He specializes in wilderness living, survival, nature awareness, bushcraft, and wildlife tracking. His mission? ‘To help you gain a deeper awareness and enjoyment of the natural world and to dramatically increase your wilderness survival skills.’ ABOUT
Leave No Trace camping. Pack it in and Pack it out! Thank you!


