June 23, 2025 • 17 mins
The timeless practices of foraging and wildcrafting are experiencing a modern renaissance. Since the early 2010s, these ancient skills have been steadily gaining popularity, but the 2020 pandemic sent interest soaring as people sought meaningful connections to nature and greater self-reliance during uncertain times.
Foraging—the gathering of wild foods—and wildcrafting—harvesting plants for medicinal or craft purposes—offer more than just practical skills. They provide a gateway to a simpler, more grounded way of living that younger generations increasingly crave. As one young influencer notes on social media, these practices reflect "a deep desire for mindful living and connection to the natural world."
The journey into ethical harvesting begins with understanding plant reproduction and ecological balance. Experienced foragers emphasize never taking more than 10% from even abundant patches and completely avoiding sparse areas. This consciousness extends to wildcrafting medicinal plants, where sustainability ensures these resources remain available for future generations.
Ready to connect deeply with nature while building practical self-reliance skills? Download our free medicinal plant terminology list and sub
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DISCLAIMER: The information is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. Always consult your physician or healthcare professional before pursuing any health-related procedure or activity.
Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Since 2012, the HealthRanger store has been
answering your calls for atrustworthy, responsive and
affordable source ofhealth-focused products.
Built from scratch, with itsown US-based fulfillment center
and dedicated in-house customersupport, they've got you covered
, from nutritional supplementsand superfoods to storable foods
and preparedness gear.
They offer competitive priceson top-quality lab-tested items.
(00:23):
I'm excited to partner with theHealthRanger store to bring you
the purest, most reliableproducts out there.
They offer competitive pricesand top quality lab-tested items
.
Today, foraging andWildcrafting is a unique way to
a simpler, more groundedlifestyle.
It's easier to learn than youthink.
Ready to shop, use my affiliatelink to get started.
Our Foraging and Wildcraftingguide is here to help you turn
your backyard, city park orbackcountry adventure into a
free shopping experience forgreater food and medicine
security.
Eating wild foods and usingplant medicines created from the
(00:46):
fruits of the earth will bindyou to a place.
It's rivers, animals, smells,sights and sounds, writes
herbalist Lisa M Rose in herbook Midwest Foraging.
Hi friends, welcome to the NewNormal Big Life podcast.
We bring you natural news andstories about nature that we
hope will inspire you to getoutside and adventure, along
(01:07):
with a step-by-step plan to helpyou practice what you've
learned and create your own newnormal and live the biggest life
you can dream.
I'm your host, antoinette Lee,the Wellness Warrior.
Since the early 2010s, aresurgence in foraging and
wildcrafting has swept acrossNorth America, fueled by the
local food movement and a desirefor sustainability.
(01:28):
The 2020 pandemic acceleratedthis trend, with younger
generations flocking to naturefor self-reliance and
mindfulness.
But what's the differencebetween foraging and
wildcrafting, and how can youstart without harming the
environment or yourself?
Let's dive into the essentialsof foraging and wildcrafting,
offering you practical steps toharvest ethically, understand
(01:52):
key terminology and avoid deadlymistakes, all while connecting
deeply to the natural world.
Subscribe to our newsletter atnnblblog to learn when part two
of this series drops anddownload your free medicinal
plant terminology list in theshow description.
In a world dominated by screensand schedules, foraging and
(02:14):
wildcrafting offer a refreshingescape.
These ancient practices, whichinvolve gathering wild foods,
medicinal plants and wild craftmaking materials, have seen a
modern revival since 2010through 2015.
Driven by the local foodmovement, environmental
awareness and social media'searly influence, the 2020
(02:35):
pandemic supercharged this trendas people sought nature-based
activities during the lockdown.
Younger generations are drawnto foraging for simpler, more
grounded lifestyles.
Notes a 2025 post by a younginfluencer on X, formerly
Twitter.
This resurgent reflects a deepdesire for mindful living and a
(02:56):
connection to the natural world.
Foraging and wildcrafting,though often used
interchangeably, have distinctmeanings.
Foraging is the act ofsearching for and gathering wild
food resources, likefiddleheads or ostrich ferns, or
dandelions for making ourdandelion gummies recipe,
available on our blog andwherever you get your podcasts.
(03:18):
The practice of foraging isrooted in survival, which, with
origins in the old French forage, meaning to search for
provisions.
Wildcrafting, a term coined inthe 20th century, involves
harvesting plants for medicinal,culinary or craft purposes,
with a focus on sustainability,meaning leaving some for other
(03:41):
humans and animals, andwildcrafting is often tied to
herbalism.
This intimate connectionbetween you and the land and
waters where you live makes theland part of your story, a
sentiment echoed by manyforagers.
But before we cover the nexttopic in this episode, I want to
introduce you to the adventuresports lifestyle with what I
(04:02):
like to call a micro story aboutan adventure that I've had.
The adventure sports lifestyleand my deep connection to nature
is essential to my good health.
So here's the story.
The cross species relationshipbetween humans and animals is an
incredible experience thatteaches you much about yourself.
My equine friend is named Bo.
(04:24):
He's a chocolate brown rockymountain gated horse with silver
dapple coloring and a flaxentail and mane.
We affectionately call himFabio Bo's.
1,000 pounds of stubbornness,and most writers can't get him
to do anything.
Can't get him to do anything.
(04:48):
He came into my life when myconfidence waned and I
immediately learned from Bo thatI'm a capable leader.
Here's how that happened.
After working with Bo briefly,I could toss his lead over his
neck and he would follow meanywhere.
Bo came when I called his name,he ate out of my hand, bowed
his head to accept my kisses andsang country music with me.
Believe it or not, beer for myhorses is his favorite song.
(05:11):
Before long we felt like one.
When I rode his back, I didthat.
I hope this story inspires youto get outside and adventure
alone with friends or the peopleyou love most.
Now back to the story wherewe're talking about ethical
harvesting and how it's aforager's responsibility.
As stewards of the land andwaterways.
(05:33):
Anglers, foragers andwildcrafters must harvest
ethically to ensure fish andplants thrive for future
generations of humans andanimals.
Ethical harvesting begins withunderstanding plant reproduction
.
Some plants spread by seeds,others through rhizomes, tubers,
bulbs, spores or suckers.
When harvesting ethically andsustainably.
(05:56):
Assess the patch.
If it's a sparse patch, move on.
Even in dense areas, take nomore than 10% to allow
regeneration.
Even in dense areas, take nomore than 10% to allow
regeneration.
I always photograph my foragingspots to track their health
over time, shares avid foragerSarah Thompson from Michigan.
It's heartbreaking to see apatch disappear because of
(06:20):
harvesting.
She says For annuals, pickleaves or tips to preserve seeds
.
For mushrooms, carry them gillsdown in a basket to disperse
spores, as advised in the bookthe Forager's Harvest by Samuel
Thayer.
Target invasive species likeJapanese knotweed, which offers
fiber and trace minerals, whilesupporting native ecosystems, by
removing these non-nativeplants.
(06:42):
When harvesting nutrient-richplants, like those with vitamin
C, for example, take only whatyou'll use immediately.
Vitamin C degrades quickly, sodon't harvest more than you can
use right away.
Here's a pro tip Dried herbslose potency over time, so
replace them annually tomaintain efficacy.
(07:05):
Foraging isn't without risks.
Misidentifying plants can bedeadly.
For example, confusing poisonhemlock with wild carrot can
lead to respiratory failure.
The American Association ofPoison Control Centers reports
over 50,000 plant exposure casesannually in the US, primarily
(07:25):
involving children, thoughserious outcomes are rare
Globally.
Serious plant poisoning is rareworldwide because most
exposures are accidental.
Experts note in the handbook ofpoisonous and injurious plants,
a book I highly recommend ifyou're going to become a forager
.
Toxicologist Dr Lewis Nelsonemphasizes the risk of
(07:48):
misidentification is significantand education is the best
prevention.
Foraging expert Samuel Thayeradds you must know a plant
through its entire life cycle toavoid deadly mistakes.
My recommendation is this Spenda full harvest season learning
to identify plants.
Start with regional guides likeLisa M Rose Midwest Foraging or
(08:12):
Nicole Lepellian's theForager's Guide to Wild Foods,
north American Edition.
Collect multiple guides.
Go to libraries, nature centersand use bookstores.
They're great resources forforaging books.
I keep a shelf of plant guidesbecause no single book has it.
All, says Thompson.
I also have books and I use thePicture this app because you
(08:37):
might not have internet accesswhen you need to identify a
plant, especially in anemergency survival situation.
So that's Antoinette's tipright there.
After this short break, we'lltalk about how to get started
foraging and wildcrafting.
World events are constantlyteaching everyone some very
painful lessons.
Without warning, everything wetake for granted can suddenly
(08:58):
fail and if you're not preparedin advance, you really don't
have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days' worth of normalshopping.
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
(09:19):
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie rich,
reliable and deliciousnourishment for life's
unexpected situations, andcritical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
(09:43):
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now.
They're not just reliable,they're also your affordable
option too.
Long-term survival foodshouldn't break the bank.
That's why they have greatsales and payment options for
you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
(10:06):
normal anymore.
So make your next decision yoursmartest decision.
Be ready for tomorrow.
Today, trust Ready Hour, readyto shop.
Use my affiliate link in theshow description To get started
foraging and wildcrafting.
Begin by exploring your localarea, whether urban, suburban or
rural.
(10:26):
I started foraging in my citypark, thompson shares.
Dandelions were everywhere.
When first starting yourjourney into foraging, draw a
map of your area, notinggeological and man-made features
, and track your finds withsketches or photos.
Pay attention to the seasonalcycles and bloom times,
journaling your observations.
(10:47):
You can do the same withtargeting fish species too.
Kids love this activity.
It's something they can dotogether with you or on their
own when they're a little bitolder, and it's an activity that
you'll have in common and canbond over.
We taught plant identificationnot really foraging, but just
identifying the plants to useage 6 to 16 at our non-profits
(11:12):
adventure camp.
Parents and grandparents laterreported that the kids still
practice plant identificationand they're teaching the adults
in their family.
One 11 year old boy on thespectrum was distant from his
family and struggled to makefriends.
Then he started teaching peopleabout his new hobby, foraging
or plant identification.
(11:32):
Really, it reconnected him withhis family and he made some new
friends.
When looking for ways to harvestplants, always get permission
to forage on both public orprivate land, unless you own the
land.
Permits for public lands areoften very affordable, like $25
to harvest a Christmas tree onfederal land.
(11:54):
Before moving to our forest, myfamily and I helped the Forest
Service remove trees to allowthe healthiest trees to thrive.
There's only so much space fortree canopies, roots to spread
and access to sunlight and water.
Allowing the public to buy apermit to harvest a tree means
the Forest Service won't have todo this work.
(12:15):
Urban foragers should be awareof soil contamination risks.
Lead and pollutants canaccumulate in plants, especially
in city soils.
I avoid harvesting near oldindustrial sites, says Thompson.
She advises you never know theland's history, so if you're
(12:35):
unsure, find a new spot is whatI advise.
Having the right tools for thejob is essential in foraging.
Like anything else.
A well-eclipped forager orwildcrafter needs hand tools
like digging forks, pruners,leather gloves.
You'll need containers likebaskets, cotton bags, paper bags
(12:55):
and collapsible bowls.
It's important to havebotanical ID materials like
plant guides and the Picturethis app that I use.
Have your camera, a sketch padand a journal ready.
The appropriate clothing forforaging can mean the difference
between being comfortable ormiserable.
Here's the essential gearyou'll need, but remember you
(13:18):
don't have to buy new clothes.
You can use what you have fornow and get specific clothes
later as you grow into the hobby.
To get started, you'll needlong pants and a long sleeve
shirt, comfortable lace-up shoesand weather-appropriate layers
like a rain jacket in the spring, quick-dry clothes in the
summer and warm clothes in thefall.
Remember, the weather canchange suddenly and
(13:41):
unpredictably.
Once, on a foraging hike inColorado, it was 78 degrees when
I set out on my hike.
30 minutes later, my dog and Iwere running for our lives
through whiteout, blizzardconditions trying to get back to
the car before we froze todeath.
So, no matter the weather, planfor the worst possible
conditions, in an upcomingepisode I'll teach you about a
(14:07):
few lightweight pieces ofinexpensive essential gear to
buy so that you won't die in thewoods.
Pun intended, don't Die in theWoods is the brand name for many
of the products that I'llrecommend.
Be sure to follow me on x atnnblblog and subscribe to our
newsletter at nnblblog to be thefirst to know when this new
content drops.
There are a few essential itemsthat I suggest for safety
(14:31):
Always carry a basic first aidkit, hydration in a refillable
metal water bottle and snacksthat include protein, fat and a
little sugar to keep yourglucose level stable and your
brain functioning.
While you're out on thisadventure, tell a trusted person
where you're going your routeand what time you're expected to
check in with them If you don'treturn at the appointed time,
(14:54):
they'll begin looking for you orsend the authorities to help
you Pack for a longer trip thanplanned.
Thompson suggests A one-hourwalk can turn into a three-hour
walk when you're lost innature's beauty.
For your foraging next steps, Isuggest you start small and stay
safe.
This first season as a newforager, I recommend that you
(15:16):
focus on learning, not eating.
Start with familiar plants likefiddleheads or ostrich, ferns
and dandelions, which double asfood and medicine.
Be sure to try our dandelionand honey gummies recipe.
That episode is available now.
One of the things I love aboutforaging and wildcrafting is
that it gets you outside.
(15:37):
The first action step tobecoming a forager or
wildcrafter is to get outsideand take a look around.
You'll see which plants livenearby.
You Pay attention to the cyclesof the year, the weather and
the bloom times of the wildplants.
Make notes in your journal,sketch out your forage area and
make a map.
Also incorporate photos.
(15:58):
I like to print my photosbecause you never know when you
might need access to yourjournal and your photos.
And you don't have electricity.
Although we have a whole homesolar generator, I wouldn't use
the power to surf the internet.
Foraging can be a fun way toget outside and soak up some
vitamin D.
Get your steps in, do someforest bathing and spend some
(16:20):
solo time or time with friendsand family.
I hope you'll enjoy this newhobby as much as I do.
Until next time, friends, I'myour host, antoinette Lee, the
wellness warrior, here at theNew Normal Big Life podcast.
I hope one day to see you onthe river, in the back country
or in the horse barn living yourbest life.
Tag new normal big life ornnblblog on social media so we
(16:45):
can celebrate your good healthand big life.
If you're a visual learner, youcan watch an informative and
entertaining version of thisvideo on YouTube, on the new
normal big life channel comingsoon, or listen wherever you get
your podcasts.
Share this episode with someonewho needs it, comment or post
and drop us a message or emailnothing personal, too specific
(17:07):
when you have a health oradventure sports topic that you
want us to cover and supportothers in this community.
Since 2012, the Health Rangerstore has been answering your
calls for a trustworthy,responsive and affordable source
of health focused productsBuilt from scratch with its own
US based fulfillment center anddedicated in-house customer
support, they've got you covered.
(17:27):
From nutritional supplementsand superfoods.
We'll see you next time.
Since 2012, the HealthRanger store has been
answering your calls for atrustworthy, responsive and
affordable source ofhealth-focused products.
Built from scratch, with itsown US-based fulfillment center
and dedicated in-house customersupport, they've got you covered
, from nutritional supplementsand superfoods to storable foods
and preparedness gear.
They offer competitive priceson top-quality lab-tested items.
(00:23):
I'm excited to partner with theHealthRanger store to bring you
the purest, most reliableproducts out there.
They offer competitive pricesand top quality lab-tested items
.
Today, foraging andWildcrafting is a unique way to
a simpler, more groundedlifestyle.
It's easier to learn than youthink.
Ready to shop, use my affiliatelink to get started.
Our Foraging and Wildcraftingguide is here to help you turn
your backyard, city park orbackcountry adventure into a
free shopping experience forgreater food and medicine
security.
Eating wild foods and usingplant medicines created from the
(00:46):
fruits of the earth will bindyou to a place.
It's rivers, animals, smells,sights and sounds, writes
herbalist Lisa M Rose in herbook Midwest Foraging.
Hi friends, welcome to the NewNormal Big Life podcast.
We bring you natural news andstories about nature that we
hope will inspire you to getoutside and adventure, along
(01:07):
with a step-by-step plan to helpyou practice what you've
learned and create your own newnormal and live the biggest life
you can dream.
I'm your host, antoinette Lee,the Wellness Warrior.
Since the early 2010s, aresurgence in foraging and
wildcrafting has swept acrossNorth America, fueled by the
local food movement and a desirefor sustainability.
(01:28):
The 2020 pandemic acceleratedthis trend, with younger
generations flocking to naturefor self-reliance and
mindfulness.
But what's the differencebetween foraging and
wildcrafting, and how can youstart without harming the
environment or yourself?
Let's dive into the essentialsof foraging and wildcrafting,
offering you practical steps toharvest ethically, understand
(01:52):
key terminology and avoid deadlymistakes, all while connecting
deeply to the natural world.
Subscribe to our newsletter atnnblblog to learn when part two
of this series drops anddownload your free medicinal
plant terminology list in theshow description.
In a world dominated by screensand schedules, foraging and
(02:14):
wildcrafting offer a refreshingescape.
These ancient practices, whichinvolve gathering wild foods,
medicinal plants and wild craftmaking materials, have seen a
modern revival since 2010through 2015.
Driven by the local foodmovement, environmental
awareness and social media'searly influence, the 2020
(02:35):
pandemic supercharged this trendas people sought nature-based
activities during the lockdown.
Younger generations are drawnto foraging for simpler, more
grounded lifestyles.
Notes a 2025 post by a younginfluencer on X, formerly
Twitter.
This resurgent reflects a deepdesire for mindful living and a
(02:56):
connection to the natural world.
Foraging and wildcrafting,though often used
interchangeably, have distinctmeanings.
Foraging is the act ofsearching for and gathering wild
food resources, likefiddleheads or ostrich ferns, or
dandelions for making ourdandelion gummies recipe,
available on our blog andwherever you get your podcasts.
(03:18):
The practice of foraging isrooted in survival, which, with
origins in the old French forage, meaning to search for
provisions.
Wildcrafting, a term coined inthe 20th century, involves
harvesting plants for medicinal,culinary or craft purposes,
with a focus on sustainability,meaning leaving some for other
(03:41):
humans and animals, andwildcrafting is often tied to
herbalism.
This intimate connectionbetween you and the land and
waters where you live makes theland part of your story, a
sentiment echoed by manyforagers.
But before we cover the nexttopic in this episode, I want to
introduce you to the adventuresports lifestyle with what I
(04:02):
like to call a micro story aboutan adventure that I've had.
The adventure sports lifestyleand my deep connection to nature
is essential to my good health.
So here's the story.
The cross species relationshipbetween humans and animals is an
incredible experience thatteaches you much about yourself.
My equine friend is named Bo.
(04:24):
He's a chocolate brown rockymountain gated horse with silver
dapple coloring and a flaxentail and mane.
We affectionately call himFabio Bo's.
1,000 pounds of stubbornness,and most writers can't get him
to do anything.
Can't get him to do anything.
(04:48):
He came into my life when myconfidence waned and I
immediately learned from Bo thatI'm a capable leader.
Here's how that happened.
After working with Bo briefly,I could toss his lead over his
neck and he would follow meanywhere.
Bo came when I called his name,he ate out of my hand, bowed
his head to accept my kisses andsang country music with me.
Believe it or not, beer for myhorses is his favorite song.
(05:11):
Before long we felt like one.
When I rode his back, I didthat.
I hope this story inspires youto get outside and adventure
alone with friends or the peopleyou love most.
Now back to the story wherewe're talking about ethical
harvesting and how it's aforager's responsibility.
As stewards of the land andwaterways.
(05:33):
Anglers, foragers andwildcrafters must harvest
ethically to ensure fish andplants thrive for future
generations of humans andanimals.
Ethical harvesting begins withunderstanding plant reproduction
.
Some plants spread by seeds,others through rhizomes, tubers,
bulbs, spores or suckers.
When harvesting ethically andsustainably.
(05:56):
Assess the patch.
If it's a sparse patch, move on.
Even in dense areas, take nomore than 10% to allow
regeneration.
Even in dense areas, take nomore than 10% to allow
regeneration.
I always photograph my foragingspots to track their health
over time, shares avid foragerSarah Thompson from Michigan.
It's heartbreaking to see apatch disappear because of
(06:20):
harvesting.
She says For annuals, pickleaves or tips to preserve seeds
.
For mushrooms, carry them gillsdown in a basket to disperse
spores, as advised in the bookthe Forager's Harvest by Samuel
Thayer.
Target invasive species likeJapanese knotweed, which offers
fiber and trace minerals, whilesupporting native ecosystems, by
removing these non-nativeplants.
(06:42):
When harvesting nutrient-richplants, like those with vitamin
C, for example, take only whatyou'll use immediately.
Vitamin C degrades quickly, sodon't harvest more than you can
use right away.
Here's a pro tip Dried herbslose potency over time, so
replace them annually tomaintain efficacy.
(07:05):
Foraging isn't without risks.
Misidentifying plants can bedeadly.
For example, confusing poisonhemlock with wild carrot can
lead to respiratory failure.
The American Association ofPoison Control Centers reports
over 50,000 plant exposure casesannually in the US, primarily
(07:25):
involving children, thoughserious outcomes are rare
Globally.
Serious plant poisoning is rareworldwide because most
exposures are accidental.
Experts note in the handbook ofpoisonous and injurious plants,
a book I highly recommend ifyou're going to become a forager
.
Toxicologist Dr Lewis Nelsonemphasizes the risk of
(07:48):
misidentification is significantand education is the best
prevention.
Foraging expert Samuel Thayeradds you must know a plant
through its entire life cycle toavoid deadly mistakes.
My recommendation is this Spenda full harvest season learning
to identify plants.
Start with regional guides likeLisa M Rose Midwest Foraging or
(08:12):
Nicole Lepellian's theForager's Guide to Wild Foods,
north American Edition.
Collect multiple guides.
Go to libraries, nature centersand use bookstores.
They're great resources forforaging books.
I keep a shelf of plant guidesbecause no single book has it.
All, says Thompson.
I also have books and I use thePicture this app because you
(08:37):
might not have internet accesswhen you need to identify a
plant, especially in anemergency survival situation.
So that's Antoinette's tipright there.
After this short break, we'lltalk about how to get started
foraging and wildcrafting.
World events are constantlyteaching everyone some very
painful lessons.
Without warning, everything wetake for granted can suddenly
(08:58):
fail and if you're not preparedin advance, you really don't
have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days' worth of normalshopping.
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
(09:19):
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie rich,
reliable and deliciousnourishment for life's
unexpected situations, andcritical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
(09:43):
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now.
They're not just reliable,they're also your affordable
option too.
Long-term survival foodshouldn't break the bank.
That's why they have greatsales and payment options for
you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
(10:06):
normal anymore.
So make your next decision yoursmartest decision.
Be ready for tomorrow.
Today, trust Ready Hour, readyto shop.
Use my affiliate link in theshow description To get started
foraging and wildcrafting.
Begin by exploring your localarea, whether urban, suburban or
rural.
(10:26):
I started foraging in my citypark, thompson shares.
Dandelions were everywhere.
When first starting yourjourney into foraging, draw a
map of your area, notinggeological and man-made features
, and track your finds withsketches or photos.
Pay attention to the seasonalcycles and bloom times,
journaling your observations.
(10:47):
You can do the same withtargeting fish species too.
Kids love this activity.
It's something they can dotogether with you or on their
own when they're a little bitolder, and it's an activity that
you'll have in common and canbond over.
We taught plant identificationnot really foraging, but just
identifying the plants to useage 6 to 16 at our non-profits
(11:12):
adventure camp.
Parents and grandparents laterreported that the kids still
practice plant identificationand they're teaching the adults
in their family.
One 11 year old boy on thespectrum was distant from his
family and struggled to makefriends.
Then he started teaching peopleabout his new hobby, foraging
or plant identification.
(11:32):
Really, it reconnected him withhis family and he made some new
friends.
When looking for ways to harvestplants, always get permission
to forage on both public orprivate land, unless you own the
land.
Permits for public lands areoften very affordable, like $25
to harvest a Christmas tree onfederal land.
(11:54):
Before moving to our forest, myfamily and I helped the Forest
Service remove trees to allowthe healthiest trees to thrive.
There's only so much space fortree canopies, roots to spread
and access to sunlight and water.
Allowing the public to buy apermit to harvest a tree means
the Forest Service won't have todo this work.
(12:15):
Urban foragers should be awareof soil contamination risks.
Lead and pollutants canaccumulate in plants, especially
in city soils.
I avoid harvesting near oldindustrial sites, says Thompson.
She advises you never know theland's history, so if you're
(12:35):
unsure, find a new spot is whatI advise.
Having the right tools for thejob is essential in foraging.
Like anything else.
A well-eclipped forager orwildcrafter needs hand tools
like digging forks, pruners,leather gloves.
You'll need containers likebaskets, cotton bags, paper bags
(12:55):
and collapsible bowls.
It's important to havebotanical ID materials like
plant guides and the Picturethis app that I use.
Have your camera, a sketch padand a journal ready.
The appropriate clothing forforaging can mean the difference
between being comfortable ormiserable.
Here's the essential gearyou'll need, but remember you
(13:18):
don't have to buy new clothes.
You can use what you have fornow and get specific clothes
later as you grow into the hobby.
To get started, you'll needlong pants and a long sleeve
shirt, comfortable lace-up shoesand weather-appropriate layers
like a rain jacket in the spring, quick-dry clothes in the
summer and warm clothes in thefall.
Remember, the weather canchange suddenly and
(13:41):
unpredictably.
Once, on a foraging hike inColorado, it was 78 degrees when
I set out on my hike.
30 minutes later, my dog and Iwere running for our lives
through whiteout, blizzardconditions trying to get back to
the car before we froze todeath.
So, no matter the weather, planfor the worst possible
conditions, in an upcomingepisode I'll teach you about a
(14:07):
few lightweight pieces ofinexpensive essential gear to
buy so that you won't die in thewoods.
Pun intended, don't Die in theWoods is the brand name for many
of the products that I'llrecommend.
Be sure to follow me on x atnnblblog and subscribe to our
newsletter at nnblblog to be thefirst to know when this new
content drops.
There are a few essential itemsthat I suggest for safety
(14:31):
Always carry a basic first aidkit, hydration in a refillable
metal water bottle and snacksthat include protein, fat and a
little sugar to keep yourglucose level stable and your
brain functioning.
While you're out on thisadventure, tell a trusted person
where you're going your routeand what time you're expected to
check in with them If you don'treturn at the appointed time,
(14:54):
they'll begin looking for you orsend the authorities to help
you Pack for a longer trip thanplanned.
Thompson suggests A one-hourwalk can turn into a three-hour
walk when you're lost innature's beauty.
For your foraging next steps, Isuggest you start small and stay
safe.
This first season as a newforager, I recommend that you
(15:16):
focus on learning, not eating.
Start with familiar plants likefiddleheads or ostrich, ferns
and dandelions, which double asfood and medicine.
Be sure to try our dandelionand honey gummies recipe.
That episode is available now.
One of the things I love aboutforaging and wildcrafting is
that it gets you outside.
(15:37):
The first action step tobecoming a forager or
wildcrafter is to get outsideand take a look around.
You'll see which plants livenearby.
You Pay attention to the cyclesof the year, the weather and
the bloom times of the wildplants.
Make notes in your journal,sketch out your forage area and
make a map.
Also incorporate photos.
(15:58):
I like to print my photosbecause you never know when you
might need access to yourjournal and your photos.
And you don't have electricity.
Although we have a whole homesolar generator, I wouldn't use
the power to surf the internet.
Foraging can be a fun way toget outside and soak up some
vitamin D.
Get your steps in, do someforest bathing and spend some
(16:20):
solo time or time with friendsand family.
I hope you'll enjoy this newhobby as much as I do.
Until next time, friends, I'myour host, antoinette Lee, the
wellness warrior, here at theNew Normal Big Life podcast.
I hope one day to see you onthe river, in the back country
or in the horse barn living yourbest life.
Tag new normal big life ornnblblog on social media so we
(16:45):
can celebrate your good healthand big life.
If you're a visual learner, youcan watch an informative and
entertaining version of thisvideo on YouTube, on the new
normal big life channel comingsoon, or listen wherever you get
your podcasts.
Share this episode with someonewho needs it, comment or post
and drop us a message or emailnothing personal, too specific
(17:07):
when you have a health oradventure sports topic that you
want us to cover and supportothers in this community.
Since 2012, the Health Rangerstore has been answering your
calls for a trustworthy,responsive and affordable source
of health focused productsBuilt from scratch with its own
US based fulfillment center anddedicated in-house customer
support, they've got you covered.
(17:27):
From nutritional supplementsand superfoods.
We'll see you next time.
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