Foraging ideas shared at Constantine library

Michelle Patrick, Sturgis Journal
·2 min read

If you’ve ever wondered about foraging, Tuesday’s program at Constantine Township Library was for you.

Mike Reid, retired Sturgis Public Schools teacher and longtime contributing member of Camp Fort Hill, presented on the topic. He’s not an expert, he said, but dabbles in foraging.

Reid’s presentation was primarily about plant and mushroom opportunities and did not deal with fishing and hunting.

Who might want to learn about foraging? According to Reid, doomsday preppers, homesteaders and those who are simply curious might be interested.

When can you forage? Most of the year, Reid said, but winter does limit options in northern climates.

Where can you forage? On your own property if you have some, Reid said, but there also are several options: on the sides of public roadways, at parks, campgrounds, and the shorelines of lakes and rivers (when it’s not someone else’s property).

Tools? Reid said it’s better to be prepared. He carries a backpack in his vehicle with the tools he’ll need if he finds something: a folding knife, a mesh bag, sunscreen, bug spray, a hand trowel, etc.

As for safety, Reid says it’s important to always identify a new item using at least two resources. He also recommends when trying something new to only eat a small amount the first time until you know how your body will react. Never eat raw mushrooms, Reid said, and never eat white berries.

Where the item was found also should be considered, Reid said. Dandelions from a dog park may not be a good idea, he said, or something growing next to a farm crop that may have been sprayed with pesticides.

Reid also recommends foraging with a friend, not alone, for safety reasons.

He shared some slides and there also was time for questions and comments.

Reid shared a few starter plants:

  • Early in the year: Fiddlehead ferns, morel mushrooms, garlic mustard.

  • Early summer: Dandelions, garlic mustard, plantain, purslane.

  • Mid-summer: Day lily, chicken of the woods mushrooms, cattails, mulberries.

  • Late summer and autumn: Chicken of the woods, hen of the woods, wild grapes (for jelly), elderberries (for jelly), May apples (when ripe).

Mike Reid shows items he keeps in a backpack in his vehicle for foraging, including several books, a knife, scissors, a mesh bag and more. Foraging is more fun when you’re prepared, he said.
Mike Reid shows items he keeps in a backpack in his vehicle for foraging, including several books, a knife, scissors, a mesh bag and more. Foraging is more fun when you’re prepared, he said.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: news-Constantine Township Library-Mike Reid-foraging