Foraging Advice You Need Before You Go

There are many reasons people get into foraging. It may be to save on grocery bills, learn about local flora or even to feel more connected to the natural environment. Foraging is a fun, enriching activity to get some fresh air, move your body and energize your tastebuds. Although it may be tempting to grab an ID book and head straight outdoors, there’s some things to know beforehand that will help keep you safe and allow you to forage ethically and respectfully.

Learn the Laws – Where Can You Forage?

Every region has different laws when it comes to foraging. It is never okay to forage in a protected environment or in an area where it is illegal to do so. Don’t forage on private property unless you get permission from the owner. Before you go, make sure to look up what areas permit foraging activities to prevent any issues with the law. It is also not advised to eat plants from busy and heavily populated areas or certain urban environments. Imagine all of the pollutants that can be found in urban areas; road salt, dog feces, pesticides, fertilizer, gas, and much more that could end up on the plants that will become your food. These pollutants may not even be visible so it’s wise to steer clear of areas near sidewalks or roadsides for example.

Learn Your ID

Learning to properly identify plants is critical! Many edible and medicinal plant species have a nearly identical toxic plant that can irritate your body, make you sick, or even hospitalize you. This is why it is so important to do your research and be sure that the plant you are grabbing is truly the one you’re looking for. There are plenty of identification guidebooks available depending on your location that can help you study. Search up your botanical zone map to help you figure out what region you’re in and find a guidebook that caters to that area. It can be helpful to join foraging groups or meet up with people who are more experienced and head out on a hike with them. Learning how to identify plants outdoors is much more beneficial then strictly reading a guidebook. Wild plants can vary based on the environment, water and light availability, age, competition, and sometimes just individual growth patterns. This can make real life ID overwhelming and difficult compared to the simple plant illustrations in books. Practice makes perfect and never eat a plant unless you’re 100% sure you know what you’re picking.

Never Take More Than You Need

It is important to only take what you need and not over harvest. There are many critters that rely on their environment for food and shelter, and taking unnecessarily could impact their livelihood. A good rule of thumb is to try and take no more than 5% of the plant. You should forage somewhere with plenty of growth, and leave some plants behind. This allows the plant to regrow and propagate as well as feed the animals in the ecosystem. When you have finished foraging your chosen spot, it should look almost as if you were never there. Depending on the area you live in, some environments might be more hostile and harvesting too much from a plant may mean taking away valuable and limited energy. Following these unspoken rules mean that the environment stays healthy, allows you to potentially return annually, and ensures an easier foraging experience.

Be Kind To Nature

Finally, when you have done all your research and have found a prime foraging location, be sure to mind your step as you begin your journey. Try not to trample or rip the flora unnecessarily and don’t leave garbage or wreckage in your wake. Handle these plants with care as you harvest. Don’t remove the whole plant if you are only looking to retrieve a small part of it. If you are collecting flowers or berries, be sure to leave some behind so the plant can propagate. When it comes to rhizomes and roots the same rule applies; leave a piece or section behind for growth. This helps keep the ecosystem in good standing and allows you to collect continuously!

Foraging can be an incredible experience, but one that must be done cautiously and with respect for others. Following this advice will not only make your foraging experience better but it will help keep you safe and the environment you’re working in healthier. It will prevent any illness or uncomfortable encounters with police and property owners if done correctly. Although it may take some research and prep work, the results are worth the wait. Grab a book, do some reading and maybe bring a friend along with you on your first venture!