ABOUT

Nicole Zempel - Natural World Enthusiast
A group of children are sitting in a circle being taught about the natural world.

While born and raised in the Minnesota River Valley, it still wasn't until about ten years ago that curiosity led me deep into the wonders of nature. This incredible desire to explore and learn from the natural world has only grown and intensified in the years since.



I’ve become just as passionate about sharing what I see and learn with others. As an enthusiast, forager, artist and regular contributor to Pioneer PBS's Prairie Sportsman "Fast Forage" segments, I get to shine a light on the interconnectedness, intelligence, and often unseen or misunderstood aspects of nature.

 

Whether it be through interactive workshops, art classes and exhibits, or hands-on foraging experiences and nature walks - it is always my hope to inspire others to form their own unique relationship with the natural world.


In addition to my passion pursuit, I am employed at Minnesota West Community and Technical College as a part of the marketing and enrollment department, and am an active community advocate - volunteering my time to a variety of endeavors that help connect people and place.


I have a son, Noah, who lives in Boulder, Colorado. And, as a proponent of animal rescue my family also includes my dog Rae, two cats – Morgan Freeman and Jack, and two African Grey parrots Charlie and Lola.

FAST FORAGES with Pioneer PBS

Learn more about wild plants and mushrooms here. These Fast Forage segments are the result of a collaboration with Pioneer PBS and featured on the Upper Midwest Emmy Award winning Prairie Sportsman program. Each clip offers a glimpse into the world of foraging and learning about edible and medical plants and mushrooms. Filmed in the river bottoms, prairie lands and woodlands of the beautiful Minnesota River valley. 

WATCH FAST FORAGES

Testimonials

"Nicole's workshops are both fun and engaging. They are very creative, thoughtfully done and unique. My wife and I and our son had a blast."

Erik C.

"I’ve been using Nicole’s Healing Salve for a couple of years now, and it has become an essential part of my skincare routine. This salve is a true multi-tasker: it works wonders on dry skin, soothes sunburn, and helps heal skin rashes quickly and effectively.


What sets this product apart is its blend of all-natural ingredients. You can feel the difference—it absorbs beautifully into the skin, leaving it feeling nourished and soft. Whether it’s the middle of winter or peak summer, this salve adapts to your needs, providing long-lasting hydration and comfort.


For anyone seeking a natural remedy that delivers on its promises, Nicole’s salve is a must-try. It’s become my go-to solution for skin healing and hydration, and I love knowing I’m using a product that’s as kind to the earth as it is to my skin. Highly recommended!"


Tammy I.

"The first workshop I attended with Nicole was an edible "urban' forage through the streets of Granite Falls. She was very knowledgeable and the fruits of our labor were delicious. I recently attended another workshop where I learned the medicinal and edible properties of sumac and how to preserve and prepare it hands-on. My tongue exploded with fresh sumac. I will harvest my own next fall. A small teaspoon in my afternoon tea delights the senses. Thanks Nicole ... I'll be seeing you again."

Deb P.

"Nicole and I have worked together on numerous event together over the years, ranging from locally harvested food pairings at our local pub, to educational workshops, to outdoor forages with people of all ages! Nicole has such a deep love, curiosity, excitement and care for the natural world that sharing it with others comes so naturally and her ways of connecting with people has them always wanting to learn more about the world around them."

Luwaina A.

"I had this mysterious section of bites on my stomach. No cream prescribed by a doctor could seem to clear it up. After about a month and a half of trying the prescribed applications, nothing worked. 


I remembered i had a jar of Nicole's cottonwood healing salve and decided to try that and it cleared it up in a matter of days!!


I also used the salve on my dog Ruby after she had her puppy surgery. She had some skin stuff going on around the incision area so I put it on her and it cleared her belly up in 2 days! 


This salve works!" 


Betsy P.

SERVICES