Local Food Bloomington: WILDCRAFTING - Local Food Bloomington

Morels by R & A Burgess Photography

Wildcrafting (also known as foraging) is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or 'wild' habitat, primarily for food or medicinal purposes. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they may be found, and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas. Ethical considerations are often involved, such as protecting endangered species, potential for depletion of commonly held resources, and in the context of private property, preventing theft of valuable plants, for example, ginseng. When wildcrafting is done sustainably and with proper respect, generally only the fruit, flowers or branches from plants are taken and the living plant is left, or if it is necessary to take the whole plant, seeds of the plant are placed in the empty hole from which the plant was taken. Care is taken to remove only a few plants, flowers, or branches, so plenty remains to continue the supply.[1] The Association of Foragers believes that foraging by people plays an increasingly important role supporting, promoting and defending the health of all plants, fungi, algae, animals (including humans) and the habitats/environments in which they exist.[2] Plants for a Future database lists 7000 plants with edible, medicinal or other uses. In the USA, the mission of United Plant Savers is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada (such as Goldenseal) and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come.[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/wildcrafting

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Tips for Foragers

Start slowly. The number of edible, inedible and just plain dangerous plants and fungi can seem overwhelming. Choose one or two things to learn about and look for. Only move on when you can confidently and accurately identify them throughout their seasons.
Don’t blame Mother Nature. Even expert foragers experience disappointment when what is supposed to be “in season” according to a chart, isn’t. Use whatever nature gives you.
Keep learning. Experienced foragers constantly double-check themselves. Take hands-on guided workshops, use field guides, go with more experienced foragers, get one or more smartphone apps— in short, be safe.
Train your eyes. When you find a good spot for harvesting, look around. You may find an even better one, with tastier, more tender or more prolific amounts of whatever you’ve found. Plants need the right conditions to grow optimally and these can vary greatly within just a few feet.
Use a breathable sack. This not only keeps your harvest fresh, but it allows mushroom spores or seeds to drop out along your walk, planting future harvests as you go.
Use the buddy system. Two heads are better than one for assessing wild foods. And a buddy is a must when heading into new or difficult terrain.
Location, location, location. It may seem obvious, but don’t forage in brownfield environments, where there is the possibility of chemicals (urban or agricultural), where you have questions about the water source that feeds the area or if you just question the area’s overall health.