Get
to know Faith Starr
of Living Green With Faith in our last speaker spotlight for the 2011 Seven Springs Fair!
What
are you going to speak about at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR?
I will be speaking at four different
workshops. Three of the workshops are about wild edibles and the fourth one is
about do
it yourself health. One is a slide show of wild
edible plants with information on how to recognize and use them. The second
workshop is a weed walk
on the Seven Springs grounds so people can actually see the live plants in
their habitat. I’ve found a great spot near the conference center that has an
abundance of wild edibles. The third workshop will show how to use the wild
weeds by making
tinctures, oils and syrups to preserve their benefits to last all winter. I
love the excitement that is generated when people realize that the weeds in
their backyards have great nutritious and medicinal values – that’s in addition
to being delicious!
What
are you most looking forward to sharing with FAIR attendees?
How to recognize and use those wild
plants that grow everywhere. I love to see their reaction when they realize
what a wealth of free food is growing right outside their door. The feedback
from attendees at last years weed workshops was outstanding – so come join us!
Tell
us about your background with your particular topic.
I’ve been foraging since I was a
child. When I was a teen I was very interested in herbology and that interest
has continued to expand over the years. I’ve also studied horticulture with a
focus on native plants and organic growing. In addition, I’ve spent countless
hours foraging in the woods and almost as many hours in the kitchen experimenting
with the best ways to incorporate wild foods into my diet.
Why
should fairgoers attend your presentation?
Lots of great, usable and easy to understand
info that will benefit you and your family for your entire life. Plus, it’s
just plain fun! On the serious side, given the economy and the decline in the
quality of food that is available today, this is info that everyone should
have. It should be taught in every school.
How
will you get to the FAIR, and how far do you have to travel?
As a native Pittsburgher, I will only
be driving about two hours to get to the Fair. I’m thrilled that the Fair is
held in Seven Springs. It’s such a beautiful place to spend a fall weekend.
What
are you most looking forward to at the FAIR?
Seeing all the friends I made last
year and meeting lots of new ones. Plus I love all of the great exhibits and
workshops. I had a wonderful time last year.
What
advice do you have for attendees?
Try to balance seeing the exhibits
and attending the workshops. There is so much fabulous info here. I like to attend
some workshops on some of my favorite interests but also attend some on
subjects I know nothing about. That way I feel like I get a great learning
experience. Above all – have fun!
If
you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one thing, what
would you choose?
Fresh clean water!
Thanks,
Faith. We’ll see you at the Fair!
—
Please visit the FAIR
website for more information about the Seven Springs, Pa. FAIR September
24-25, and upcoming FAIRs in other locations.
You can also get FAIR updates on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
