Winter is historically a season of lean times when early humans had to rely on reserves or famine foods to survive. Although times have changed dramatically since our hunter-gatherer beginnings, there are still some interesting native plants that can provide us with sustenance or medicine. While many fruits won't become available again until spring or summer, there are two native tree species that were used for food and medicine by native peoples in the months when resources were scarce: the California bay laurel and the coast redwood.

Bay nuts are a readily available food that you may have seen lying on the hiking paths of the Oakland hills. The California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) is a large hardwood tree native to our coastal forests. The use of its leaves for seasoning is familiar, although the leaves themselves are inedible. In the fall, bay laurels produce and drop their fruit, which can be gathered and processed into an edible nut. The fleshy exterior must be shucked off, then the large seed inside must be washed, dried, and, most importantly, roasted. Roasting prevents irritation of the throat and digestive system by eliminating the strong volatile oils. Opinions differ on how long they should be roasted and at what temperature, but once they're done, they can be cracked open and eaten or used in a variety of recipes like bay nut mole.

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Gisela has been instrumental in our Fruitvale educational programming this school year. She has assisted on numerous field trips, as well as curriculum development, always bringing a positive attitude and creativity. Outside of FOSC, she is an Oakland-based artist, arts consultant, and educator. She enjoys exploring the San Francisco Bay Area on bike or by foot, taking photos, and making drawings and sculptures inspired by urban and natural spaces. She has many years of experience working with cultural organizations and is currently supporting New York Foundation for the Art's Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program in Oakland. She recently served at the San Francisco Arts Commission working with the cultural equity grants program. She has also worked with Wave Hill, El Museo del Barrio, Columbia College Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and the Smithsonian Institute. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Studio Art from Dartmouth College and an M.F.A. in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Thank you, Gisela, for helping us to put the A in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,  ART, and Mathematics) within our environmental education program. We are endlessly grateful for your dedication to FOSC and the students we serve.

Check out Gisela's work on her website.