1. Desert Foraging
By: Eileen Russell

2. Introduction to Foraging
People have been foraging food for survival for thousands of years
In our modern times, we have lost the art of identifying and harvesting wild
plants for consumption
However, in the last few decades there has been a resurgence
of interest in foraging
People all over the world are re-discovering that many plants commonly
seen as “weeds” are actually delicious!
What foragers also know is that time spent hunting for delicious
greens, herbs, berries, roots or even medicinal plants has a
satisfaction all it’s own

3. Five Local Plants Cattail Plantain Dandelion Desert Willow Mulberry
Cactus Pads

4. Safety
Positive I.D.
Before Eating any wild plant, make sure you can ID the plant with 100% accuracy
If you cannot I.D. the plant - ask a local
There are many ways to I.D. a plant!
Check out books
Check online
Get a Plant I.D. Phone App
Taste/Allergy Test
After Positive I.D. you must test the plant to see if you are allergic
Allergic reactions can happen with non-toxic plants as well as toxic plants!
There are many ways to I.D. a plant!
Check out books
Get a Plant I.D. Phone App

5. Safety Continued Avoid Polluted Plants
Avoid plants from areas that have been sprayed with chemical fertilizers, insecticides or weed control
Also avoid plants if you suspect an area you are foraging are polluted with waste water
Roadside stops can be tempting but highway plants are contaminated with gasoline and other fossil fuels
Always Wash
It can be tempting to nibble on a freshly picked plant but ALWAYS bring your collection home to wash first
In addition to possible pollution, plants may have come into contact with insects or animal droppings
A quick wash will ensure they are ready to eat

6. Safety Continued Personal Safety
ALWAYS ask permission to forage on private land or in National Parks (Or an other areas where it may be considered trespassing)
You could find yourself arrested
Dangerous Animals/Snakes
Be Careful! Become familiar animals/snakes in your foraging areas
It is safest to forage in a secluded area with a “buddy”
Dress Appropriately
It is wise to wear gloves, hat, pants and it doesn’t hurt to carry insect repellent and sunscreen
Tools
Sharp Knife/Pruning Shears, Shovel Basket/Bucket and perhaps a notebook to jot down the location of plants to find the following year

7. Poisonous Plants
Always consult and expert of a good field guide for your area!
Each county/region is different so make sure you have the background information and means to I.D.
Some toxic plants can lead to non-fatal reactions, while others can be far more dangerous
Poisonous Fungi (Mushrooms)
Must be very carefully identified
Death Cap Mushroom, False Morels, etc…
Poisonous Look-Alikes
Familiarize yourself with the features of edible plants and their look-alike toxic cousins
Two plants can resemble each other throughout their growing stages
Sometimes they resemble each other for only one developmental stage

8. Resources
There are many reliable resources to help you I.D. edible plants and get tips on where to forage in different regions. Listed below are some reputable field guides to reference before attempting foraging.
Online:
Wild Edible Forage App (This is an app for the IPhone and Android)
Firstways – Firstways.com
Wild Man Wild Food (UK) – wildmanwildfood.com
Fall Fruit – Interactive fruit tree forage – fallingfruit.org
Books:
The Forest’s Harvest by: Samuel Thayer
Wild Edibles; A Practical Guide to Foraging by: Sergee Boutenko
The Forager Handbook by: Miles Irving
Western Medicinal Plants & Herbs by: Peterson Field Guides
Feasting Free on Wild Edibles by: Stackpole Books
Wildflowers of Southwestern Utah; A Field Guide to Bryce Canyon
Weeds of the West by: The University of Wyoming
Learn to Survive Zeb by: Norma Perkins
The Complete Guide to Edible Wildplants by: Katie Letcher Lyle

9. Thank You!
Now let’s learn by doing 