The Orcas Food Co-op is offering a “Seaweed Hike and Harvest” on July 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Venture into the wild with herbalist Kristy Bredin and seaweed aficionado Learner Limbach. Seaweeds have traditionally been important plants for food and healing among coastal people throughout the world and are a rich source of diverse nutrients uncommonly available in land plants.

This three-hour in-the-field adventure will cover types of local seaweeds; optimal harvest times; sustainable harvesting; drying techniques; healing properties; iodine and thyroid health; external uses of seaweeds and pollution issues. Participants will take home a jar of kelp pickles they will make in class.

Class will be held on the northeast side of Orcas. There is a steep hike down to the beach. Carpooling will be arranged to the class location. Stop by the co-op or visit www.BIT.LY/seaweedclass to register.

There is an early bird price of $45; registration for that ends on June 21. After June 21, the cost is $55. There is a $5 additional discount for co-op members.

For more information, visit www.kristybredin.com or email info@orcasfood.coop.