Spots available in foraging workshops as Caddo Mounds reopens

The Caddo Mounds State Historic Site presents author and blogger Mark Merriwether Vorderbruggen’s popular ‘Foraging with Merriwether’ workshop, to help kick off the site’s official reopening to the public.

“We are going to ease back into in person programming, and what a great way to start with Merriwether's return to Caddo Mounds SHS,” park officials stated on social media. “This exciting workshop is sponsored by the Friends of Caddo Mounds, Inc.”

Foraging workshops will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Caddo Mounds SHS, 1649 State Hwy 21 west, Alto, and is limited to 10 people (recommended for 12 and older).

There will be a morning session (10 person maximum).

If there are at least five additional people interested, an afternoon session (10 person maximum) will also be held.

The morning session will be 9 a.m. to noon; the afternoon session would be 1-4 p.m., as needed.

Ample parking is provided.

All participants will need to comply with mask and social distancing guidelines.

There is a $50 advance registration fee for the program – no refunds unless the class is canceled. Call (936) 858-3218 to reserve a space.

Payment may be made by cash or check at the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site; or mail checks to Caddo Mounds SHS, 1649 State Hwy 21 west, Alto, TX 75925.

“Be prepared to hike,” Friends of Caddo Mounds, Inc., members shared on Facebook. “We recommend closed toe shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, notepads and pencils.”

Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen writes the Foraging Texas blog, found at foragingtexas.com, and is a practiced forager and teacher. His book, An Idiot's Guide to Foraging, was published April 2016.

“Make sure to bring your copy or pick one up at our gift shop to have Mark sign while you are here,” site officials suggest.

Caddo Mounds SHS, a Texas Historical Commission property, is the remains of a large village and religious center built by a group of Caddo Indians known as the Hasinai more than 1,200 years ago on the prairie overlooking the Neches River.

Located along the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas, the site presents the culture and customs of the Caddo people through intriguing exhibits, displays and preserved burial and ceremonial mounds.

For more information on the Caddo Mounds SHS, visit visitcaddomounds.com.