Oklahoma Wildcrafting is an art form used by many in Oklahoma. From the numerous Native American tribes to those who lived through the Dust Bowl and Depression. For many in our state, this has been a way of life. Why do I call it a art form? It is because it has been passed down from generation to generation and perfection is achieved through the constant practice of this way of life. From the use of broom weed for the flu to the preserving of wild fruit to the wild medicinal herbs many in this state have taken care of their families every day needs. Our membership has grown over the last few years to over 700 members. This membership includes Mycologists, Biologists, Herbalists, Traditional Wildcrafters, Master Gardeners and much more.
A real education can be found by just visiting your local senior center and talking to those who used this practice to stay alive. Oklahoma is home to more Native American tribes than any other state. Each tribe is a wealth of knowledge. If you are a member of a Oklahoma tribe, seek out your elders and learn from them, so you may teach the children. Wildcrafting is the art of responsible use of what the earth has to offer.
ETHICS
Nature has its balance. Whenever this balance is disrupted by over foraging, the results are disastrous. Act responsible;
leave enough to insure future generations of Oklahomans are able to enjoy foraging in our state.
Endangered Plants
United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
Ethics Links:
A must read site:
Leave No Trace web site program is to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and partnerships.
IDENTIFICATION
We cannot express the importance of identification enough! Wrong identification can lead to
death or illness. If you are not 100% sure of what you are foraging, leave it where you found it!
So how do you identify? Find someone who knows, be it a botanist or experienced forager. There are those of us who are allergic to foods in the grocery store, the same goes for those foods we find in the wild. Whenever you ingest a new food eat only a small amount and save some of it just in case you become ill. This brings up another point, know your area. Is there pesticides being used where you are foraging? Fertilizers? Is it along a road? High levels of exhaust from motor vehicles? Along a drainage ditch? Where is that water coming from? These factors are just as important as what you are foraging. Have you visited other sites on foraging? Do you see the disclaimers? They take no responsibility for you eating any wild foods. Why? They are not foraging for you or making the decision if you eat it or not, so use caution and know for sure! I will be putting a disclaimer on this site, just for that reason.
Foraging can be a fun and rewarding endeavor if you use common sense.
Video's
Oklahoma Magazine
Back to Basics with Jackie Dill
This web site is for educational purposes only. We suggest if you choose to eat or use any edible, herb or mushroom on this site that you first consult an expert in this area such as an herbalist, botanist or a mycologist.