Foraging Stories

Here, I will share some stories and experiences of my journey with local foraging. As part of an effort to connect more to place, I have been foraging more often for some foods and resources. Part of this involves becoming more aware of, and engaging with, the seasons. This is important as many plants are only available for harvest for a brief period, sometimes only a few days. This makes observation and attention to changes in light, weather, and the ecological changes that come with them key to successful foraging. In this whole process, I try to be as respectful and sustainable as possible, including being conscientious of the fact I inhabit indigenous land, as a non-indigenous person. Giving thanks to the plants and animals, and leaving things better than you found them when possible, helps to build reciprocal relationship between you and the other organisms you share a home with. Volunteering with restoration groups and going on trash walks are some other things to help foster this relationship. It is important to note that doing your research and/or asking those more experienced and knowledgeable about which plants are safe, and how to sustainably harvest and process them, is crucial before just going out and eating miscellaneous plants.