Apr 16, 2023·edited Apr 16, 2023Liked by Gabe Popkin
Good essay.
As we learn about the plants we can forage from, we should also be learning how to propagate them, whether by seed, root division or layering, etc. Our activity around these plants can then expand from harvest times to other times of year, when it's time for propagation activities like seed collecting and sowing, or root digging and dividing. Or it may just add to our activity at harvest time, like burying the tips of vining berry bushes so they start new plants.
In some cases, knowing about propagation could change when or how we are foraging. For example, in the western states, there are certain roots like Yampah (Perideridia sp.) and Biscuitroots (Lomatium sp.) that you can choose to dig while they are in seed, so you end up reseeding as you harvest.
The word "reciprocity" is a great guiding concept. "Sustainable" or "responsible" harvest would then include not just thinking about how and how much we are taking when the food is ready but how we are giving back throughout the year.
Interesting, thank you. The observation about our relationship with nature is interesting. After spending time in a developing country where there was a lot of subsistence agriculture, and hanging out with young people who knew the names and uses of plants like they knew their families and friends, I realised that it is natural for humans to be able to identify hundreds, if not thousands, of plants. It's sad that so many people have lost this connection.
Knowing what can and can't be eaten is such a natural part of our relationship with nature. Certainly, we need to learn not to be extractive and deplete resources - something that those of us descended from colonists tend to struggle with. But I think you're right that we may learn that better by being connected to nature by foraging.
In New Zealand, I enjoy foraging a number of invasive species. However I do also enjoy a few nibbles of native plants. It's definitely a joy to get our food from the wild.
I really enjoyed this piece! Your insights on "our stunted environmental discourse..." resonated so much with me that I quoted you in my recent piece on the role of animals in stimulating carbon sequestration https://brightspotsnow.substack.com/p/let-animals-do-their-thing
Good essay.
As we learn about the plants we can forage from, we should also be learning how to propagate them, whether by seed, root division or layering, etc. Our activity around these plants can then expand from harvest times to other times of year, when it's time for propagation activities like seed collecting and sowing, or root digging and dividing. Or it may just add to our activity at harvest time, like burying the tips of vining berry bushes so they start new plants.
In some cases, knowing about propagation could change when or how we are foraging. For example, in the western states, there are certain roots like Yampah (Perideridia sp.) and Biscuitroots (Lomatium sp.) that you can choose to dig while they are in seed, so you end up reseeding as you harvest.
The word "reciprocity" is a great guiding concept. "Sustainable" or "responsible" harvest would then include not just thinking about how and how much we are taking when the food is ready but how we are giving back throughout the year.
Interesting, thank you. The observation about our relationship with nature is interesting. After spending time in a developing country where there was a lot of subsistence agriculture, and hanging out with young people who knew the names and uses of plants like they knew their families and friends, I realised that it is natural for humans to be able to identify hundreds, if not thousands, of plants. It's sad that so many people have lost this connection.
Knowing what can and can't be eaten is such a natural part of our relationship with nature. Certainly, we need to learn not to be extractive and deplete resources - something that those of us descended from colonists tend to struggle with. But I think you're right that we may learn that better by being connected to nature by foraging.
In New Zealand, I enjoy foraging a number of invasive species. However I do also enjoy a few nibbles of native plants. It's definitely a joy to get our food from the wild.
I really enjoyed this piece! Your insights on "our stunted environmental discourse..." resonated so much with me that I quoted you in my recent piece on the role of animals in stimulating carbon sequestration https://brightspotsnow.substack.com/p/let-animals-do-their-thing