Wild Plants with Kids!

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore nature with the kids! I really value foraging for wild plants and greens. Not only is it a fun way to spend time together as a family, but it’s also a great way to learn about the natural world around us.

My favorite wild spring plants include dandelions, nettles, miners lettuce, and oxalis. These plants are can be easy to find and plentiful. They’re also delicious! It’s important to know how to gather them safely. Here are some essential points:

  • Do your research. Make sure you can 110% properly identify the plants you’re foraging for. If you’re not sure, don’t eat it!
  • Always make sure you have permission to forage in the area you’re in.
  • Only take what you need and leave the rest for other animals and future generations.
  • Don’t forage in areas that have been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals.

Here’s a video about harvesting dandelions and making donuts with my kids. It includes a thorough description by my son Robin of how to identify dandelions. You must be this intensive in knowing every plant you harvest.

If you’re brand new to foraging, I recommend taking our Wild Plants Basics Class (for Adults) coming on April 22. It will be taught by Deb Scrivens, a long-term mentor of mine, and its a great way to learn about wild plants growing in our area and how to identify them.

Everyday I feel very grateful for my own connection to wild plants and foods. It’s a great way to connect with nature as a family and it’s the best way to get my kids to each their vegetables.