Wild Element

Prepare for your WE Event

Wild Element Foraging Walk Guide

Welcome to the adventure! Whether you’re stepping onto the trail as a curious first-timer or a seasoned plant-spotter, we’re so glad you’re joining us. This guide will help you make the most of our time together—safely, responsibly, and with open eyes and hearts to the wild.

The Golden Rules of Ethical Foraging

When we forage, we’re not just gathering—we’re participating in an ancient relationship with nature. That means we do it with care, respect, and a sustainability mindset. Here’s how we honor that:

Know Before You Pick

Only harvest plants and mushrooms you can 100% positively identify. Not 95%, not “pretty sure.” If you’re not completely certain, take a photo, make notes, and ask questions—don’t put it in your basket. This is how we keep ourselves safe and deepen our knowledge.

Remember: “If in doubt, leave it out.”

Harvest with Gratitude, Not Greed

Take only what you’ll use, and leave plenty behind for wildlife, other foragers, and the plant itself to thrive. A good rule of thumb: harvest no more than 10% of a population, and only when and where it’s abundant.

Respect the Land

  • Never forage on land you don’t have permission to be on.
    This includes private property, protected natural areas, and land you’re unfamiliar with.
  • Know the local rules. State and federal parks often have strict guidelines about harvesting. Always ask or look it up beforehand.
  • Tread lightly — leave no trace. If you turn over logs or rocks, return them as you found them.

Give Back

Consider giving something back to the land: scatter native, locally-collected seeds, remove invasive species, pick up trash, or simply take a moment to say a quiet “thank you”.

Foraging Safety Fundamentals

Let’s be real—nature doesn’t always come with warning labels. Here’s how we stay safe:

  • Avoid “lookalikes.” Some edible plants and mushrooms have toxic twins. When in doubt, don’t touch — some lookalikes can even be toxic to the skin contact.
  • Watch for allergens. Some people react to plants like stinging nettle or poison ivy. Know your sensitivities, and dress accordingly.
  • Don’t forage near roadsides, industrial sites, or sprayed areas. Plants absorb what’s in the soil—and you don’t want to be eating exhaust fumes or herbicides.
  • Wash everything before cooking or preserving. Even the cleanest forest snack should get a rinse.

What to Bring Along

Foraging doesn’t require a ton of gear, but a few key items can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable:

Essentials:

  • Water bottle: Stay hydrated! You’ll thank yourself later.
  • Pocketknife or foraging scissors: For clean harvests and minimal damage to plants.
  • Basket, canvas bag, or mesh produce bags: Breathable containers help your finds stay fresh and uncrushed.
  • Notebook or phone (with camera): For taking notes and photos for later ID.
  • Field guide (optional): Great for deeper learning during or after the walk.
  • Curious attitude: This is your most important tool. Be open, observant, and ready to see the world with fresh eyes.

Optional but nice to have:

  • Gloves: For handling thorny or sappy plants.
  • Bug spray or tick repellent: Especially in warmer months.
  • Hand sanitizer or wipes: Just in case.

Trail Etiquette and Group Vibe

Our walks are as much about connection—with each other and the natural world—as they are about learning. To keep the vibes good and the learning flowing:

  • Ask questions. There are no silly ones, and we all learn better together.
  • Share discoveries. Found something cool? Call others over!
  • Give space. If someone’s having a quiet moment or working on an ID, respect that bubble.
  • Practice patience. Foraging is a slow joy, not a race.

A Note to Beginners

If this is your first foraging experience—welcome! It’s totally okay if you don’t remember every plant name or can’t ID a mushroom yet. What matters most is that you’re paying attention and beginning to build your forager’s eye. Over time, the landscape will start to speak to you in familiar shapes, colors, and smells.

A Note to Experienced Foragers

We see you—and appreciate your deep knowledge. You’re invited to help create a learning environment that’s collaborative and curious. Feel free to share tips, swap stories, and dive into the finer details. Just remember, we’re all here to learn and grow at our own pace.

After the Walk

  • Double-check your finds before using or eating anything. If you’re still unsure, reach out or do more research.
  • Preserve respectfully. Dry, pickle, cook, or tincture your harvest with care.
  • Keep learning. The wild world is always offering more to discover. Come back to the same plant throughout the season to learn its growth patterns.

Final Thoughts

Every time we walk into the woods or field, we have the chance to build relationship—with plants, with place, and with each other. Foraging isn’t just about what we take home—it’s about what we notice, how we interact, and how we show up in the ecosystem as respectful participants.

Thanks for joining Wild Element on this journey. Let’s explore, learn, and forage with heart and mind in harmony with the land sustaining us.