This week we talk spring foraging! Foraging is a family-friendly activity that can be done year-round and fosters a knowledge and appreciation for our natural ecosystems. The information and advice in this episode comes from my own personal experience and years of education in forest ecology and medicinal plants. It should not be considered medical advice nor should anyone consume anything that they are unsure of. Please seek out the help of experienced foragers and use many different resources for identification.

In this episode I discuss my favorite plants to forage in the spring, the scientific names for each plant, their edible or medicinal properties and how I like to use them, and some common toxic or poisonous look-a-likes to watch out for. This is the first in what will be a seasonal series in locally-gathered wild food and I am excited to share with you!

Please forage sustainably and abide by local conservation laws and regulations. Reach out to your local forest service for more information.

What is your favorite foraged spring edible? Tell us in our Spotify poll!

Big shoutout to our first Patron, Cayci! Thanks so much for becoming a member!

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Sources for the show include:

Allium tricoccum Facts for Kids (kiddle.co)

Ramps (Allium tricoccum): Factsheet (psu.edu)

Ramps Fact Sheet (usda.gov)

Fiddleheads: Foraging, Recipes, and Fern Folklore | The Old Farmer's Almanac

Foraging for Fiddleheads - Northern Wilds Magazine

Garlic Mustard: Invasive, Destructive, Edible (nature.org)

Morel (Morchella esculenta) - Woodland Trust

How to Find Morels for a Delicious (and Safe!) Mushroom Feast (bhg.com)

Foraging for Wild Violets: an edible early spring flower (growforagecookferment.com)

Spring is here in Vermont, and the foraging season is off to a good start. - Stowe Forager

Two Burning Houses: A Natural History of Stinging Nettle — North Cascades Institute (ncascades.org)

6 Benefits of Stinging Nettle (Plus Side Effects) (healthline.com)