How I did it: I collected various things for tea mostly.  I harvested nettles, wild raspberries (found a whole acre of them!!!) and leaves, and pine needles.  When the snow thaws I'm going to collect burdock root, dandelions, and portulacas.           

Lessons & tips: Forage as far from the city/road as possible to minimize the risk of your plants being contaminated.  Pine needles are a great source of vitamin C but I found they dried my mouth out pretty quickly when I chewed on a few.  Pine needle tea needs a good bit of honey but it keeps you going for a long time.  Wear gloves when you harvest nettles, once the leaves are dry they won't sting anymore but you'll regret handling them before that point.

Resources: Talking with hunters, seniors that grew up living off the land as much as possible, and the wilderness survival forums.

---

Dec 16, 2009, 07:03AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer