Having taken into account the large amount of scientific evidence that shows how synthetic pesticides can be hazardous to human health and the environment, Dr. Vrain is sounding the warning about the multiple dangers associated with pesticide use in crop production and domestic applications. He refutes the claims of the biotechnology companies that their engineered crops yield more, that they require less pesticide applications, that they have no impact on the environment and, of course, that they are safe to eat.

This talk is Co-Sponsored​ by Natural Habitat Evanston and Edible Evanston, both of which are programs of Climate Action Evanston.

Wild Weeds in the Apothecary and the Kitchen - from chickweed pesto to chickweed ointment, explore nature's abundant harvest for food and medicine. 

So many of the plants you pull out as weeds, maybe throw in the compost or feed to the chickens, can actually be delicious foods or powerful medicines. Stinging nettle, chickweed, cleavers, burdock, lambs quarters, horsetail are familiar garden pests that you can learn to love and appreciate. Working with weeds means following the seasons, getting to know the local flora, being able to harvest your own food and medicine, and weaving them together so that you can eat your medicine. 

In this illustrated talk we will join a medical herbalist to explore the wild weeds beneath our feet, and to learn to use them safely for sustenance and healing.