“Foraging cultures the world over sing this profound truth. The very earth is our blood and bones and marrow, and we are all sons and daughters of that earth - in which, and through which, Spirit flows freely.” - Ken Wilber

I was amazed the first time I heard someone say he could go out in the woods and survive on wildlife for a few days - no problem. In addition to finding things like wild mushrooms, mulberries, walnuts, etc., there is a whole category of plants I didn’t know were edible - like cattails, and edible plants I have never heard of - like curly dock and epazote. I searched online and found reports of people living off of nearly nothing besides wild plants. My mind raced with all of the new experiences and foods I could have, for free.

But what is the effect of foraging?

Foraging has the potential to evolve into something much greater than individuals trying unique foods, saving money and enjoying nature. I believe foraging is the natural road to permaculture; a system of agriculture that blends seamlessly with the natural environment, thus carrying none of the ecological disasters of commercial agriculture.

Like foraging, permaculture is region-dependent. Factors like soil quality, climate, and altitude are more conducive to certain plant and animal habitats than others. The best way of determining what is most fit to survive in a climate is to look at what is already there.

When permaculturists look at building an agricultural system from the ground up, I think they are missing the point. They should listen to foragers, who know that a big, solid stepping stone is already in place.

Won’t foragers eat nature bare?

Foraging does not threaten natural wildlife by becoming too popular, but by remaining too obscure. When foraging evolves into a community oriented activity, it will be protected by the community. People will share what they found, how much they took, and what they did to create more treasures for next year. Unlike some ginseng hunters, jealously guarding their spots and taking all they can, a well networked foraging community should actually promote sustainability.

The next step after finding a few supplemental foods is obviously to help the environment evolve to fulfill greater dietary needs - to make it a permaculture.

Okay, I’m ready!

If you attempt to try foraging, make sure you know what you’re eating. Mushroom identification is for experts only - seriously. Many plants and nuts, however are quite easy. During my epiphany-inspired exploration of foraging books, I jotted down The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants as looking especially good. Happy foraging!