My Journey into Urban Foraging
I never imagined that my daily walks through the city would transform into a passionate exploration of edible treasures hiding in plain sight. What began as curiosity about a patch of dandelions growing through a sidewalk crack has blossomed into a decade-long adventure in urban foraging.
How It All Started
Growing up in a concrete landscape, I felt disconnected from nature and the origins of my food. My grandparents had been avid gardeners, and I remembered their stories about wild foods they gathered as children. Those memories sparked something in me when I moved to the city for work and found myself craving a deeper connection to the natural world.
My first foraging experience was almost accidental – collecting blackberries from an abandoned lot near my apartment. The satisfaction of gathering food with my own hands was immediate and profound. From there, I began noticing edible plants everywhere: purslane pushing through garden borders, chickweed in neglected parks, and mulberry trees dropping fruit onto sidewalks.
My Philosophy
I believe that urban foraging is more than just free food – it’s a revolutionary act that reconnects us with ancient knowledge while reimagining our relationship with urban spaces. When we forage, we:
- Develop deep, observational relationships with our environments
- Reduce food waste and our carbon footprint
- Diversify our diets with incredibly nutritious wild foods
- Build resilience and self-sufficiency skills
- Create community through shared knowledge and harvests
Credentials and Learning Journey
My expertise comes from hands-on experience, extensive reading, and learning from mentors. I’ve completed certification in wild food identification through a renowned botanical institute and have led over 100 community foraging walks. I continuously research the safety, sustainability, and cultural aspects of foraging.
Though I’m not a botanist by training (my background is actually in graphic design), I approach identification with scientific rigor. I never encourage harvesting a plant unless I’m 100% confident in its identification, and I emphasize this precaution to everyone I teach.
My Mission with This Blog
This site exists to:
- Share reliable, research-based information on urban edibles
- Promote ethical foraging practices that respect ecosystems and communities
- Inspire people to see their neighborhoods with new eyes
- Preserve and honor traditional foraging knowledge from diverse cultures
- Build a community of urban foragers who share wisdom and experiences
My Approach to Safety and Ethics
Safety is my absolute priority. I follow these principles in my foraging practice and all content shared here:
- Never harvest without 100% positive identification
- Avoid areas with potential contamination (busy roadsides, industrial sites, etc.)
- Harvest sustainably, taking only what I need and ensuring plant reproduction
- Respect private property and obtain permission when needed
- Learn and honor the cultural significance of plants to indigenous communities
- Share knowledge responsibly, emphasizing caution and proper identification
Beyond Foraging
When I’m not searching for urban edibles, you might find me experimenting with wild food recipes in my kitchen, practicing permaculture in my community garden plot, or teaching wilderness skills to kids at the local nature center. I’m also an avid fermenter, turning my foraged finds into kimchi, wine, and preserves.
Connect With Me
I created this blog as a place to share my journey and build a community of like-minded urban naturalists. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just curious about that weed growing through your driveway, I welcome you to join me in rediscovering the abundance that surrounds us, hidden within our cities.
Feel free to reach out through the contact page with questions, suggestions, or to share your own foraging discoveries. Let’s learn together!
