
For some of us, one of the most interesting aspects of overland travel is seeing what kind of diverse and dynamic flora (and fauna) abound at each new campsite our journeys bring us to. What if that new-to-you flora could not only be appreciated for its uniqueness and beauty but could also be used to augment your dinner plans? That’s why Lee “Natty” Trebotich will be joining us at Overland Expo East to share and educate on foraging in the wild and creating delicious meals – and even medicinal solutions – with flora found in the wild.

So, when Lee “Natty” Trebotich reached out about teaching a class on foraging in the wild, cooking food, and constructing medicinal applications with this locally found flora, we jumped at the opportunity to have him join us at Overland Expo East.
Natty is a world traveler and a seasoned biologist with a master’s degree in botany that includes a focus on medicinal and edible plants. He owns Food For Adventures, which offers services such as private cheffing, outdoor catering, expedition cooking, and outdoor education. In addition to his experience in nature’s kitchen, Natty has more than 15 years of educational experience, working with organizations such as the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Audubon Society, and multiple universities.
We are incredibly excited to learn from Natty about what the hills of Virginia hold in store for dinner! To learn more about Natty, keep reading for our interview with him.
Overland Expo: Tell us about your rigs:
Lee: We utilize two rigs for our company and overland adventures:
- A 2014 Nissan Frontier equipped with an NSO rack, H2GO filtration system, Sylvan Sport rooftop tent, and pop-up Trailer (The GOAT).
- Our other rig is a 2011 Jeep Wrangler (2 Door) with an NSO attachment. It also features a Sylvan Sport rooftop tent, which is our original and reliable workhorse that can navigate any terrain.
Overland Expo: What is your all-time favorite campsite?
Lee: This is a tough question, but my favorite campsite is nestled in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Idaho. For the past ten years, I have been visiting a secluded spot by a river. It’s a private dispersed location that I revisit annually.

Overland Expo: What’s your go-to overlanding meal?
Lee: I’m the type of person who enjoys embracing local culture, so I like to make the most of regional ingredients, dishes, and recipes when I’m traveling. However, when I’m in the wilderness, my go-to comfort meal is biscuits and gravy. This dish holds a special place in my family, and I always find joy in adding a local twist to this classic recipe whenever I can.
Overland Expo: What is your best silver-lining story?
Lee: Although it’s not part of an overland story, the setting was in the backcountry of Colorado for our wedding in October. We found ourselves deep in the South Park Valley of CO, where just days before the ceremony, there was a continuous snowfall for a full 24 hours. With an outdoor wedding planned, we feared it would either be chaotic or completely canceled. However, miraculously, a day before the wedding, the skies cleared, and the sun emerged, melting the snow in the valley and leaving the Rockies in the background dusted with white. It turned out to be the ideal weather and backdrop for our unforgettable “Adventure Wedding.”

Overland Expo: What is an area of overland travel that you think you have nailed? And what is an area of overland travel that you feel you could use some improvement in?
Lee: As the owner of an outdoor cooking company and the lead “Adventure Chef,” we have effectively specialized and refined the outdoor culinary experience for both front-country and backcountry settings.
I aim to enhance our overlanding experience by finding a more efficient method to carry extra fuel in the backcountry. Despite having a small ROTO Pak, I believe there is a more effective solution available.

Overland Expo: What does your division of labor look like while traveling?
Lee: My spouse and I typically divide the tasks while traveling. With a 14-year-old dog and a 4-year-old daughter, there is an added layer of responsibility during our trips. While my wife usually takes care of shopping and planning, I concentrate on cooking, recipes, and managing social media.
Overland Expo: All great answers! Thanks for chatting, and we can’t wait to see you in Virginia in a few short weeks!
If you haven’t secured your tickets for Overland Expo East, don’t delay.