What great spring wild edible plant is pushing its head up on the west coast this time of year?

The Stinging Nettle.  (Urtica dioica)

Many people who have unknowingly come across this sturdy perennial and have been ’stung’ by its tiny hairs, are loath to even consider enjoying this hearty, nutritious, and delicious edible plant.

If you ever needed to supplement your food needs and were lucky enough to come across this plant in springtime, you would be one happy forager.

There is much to learn about this plant, and we cover it in both our Oregon and California advanced wild edible plants weekend courses and Circle Camps.

Stinging Nettle

I grew up with this intimidating plant as a youngster in northern California.  We had a large and dense stand of nettle on the way to the creek that our resident deer and Sasquatch ( Big Foot does exist, and he is eating all the nettle in my patch!.)  had made a trail through.

I learned to walk with arms parallel to my body to protect from the burning sting I would receive if was careless enough to brush my hand or leg across the hairy stems or the underside of the leaves.

The stinging nettles have tiny hairs that are hollow, and when the fragile hairs are broken they release formic acid which causes a dermis reaction, an irritating rash on the skin. Sometimes expressed as a burning sensation. This is the same acid that you might find if bitten by a red ant.

But unbelievable as it sounds, these wonderful plants are very edible and if your are hungry, a sumptuous feast!

They have hollow square stems about a quarter of an inch thick, covered with stinging hairs. When mature the stalks can be from 5 to 8 feet tall.
The green leaves are 2-5 inches long, coarsely toothed, and opposite.

The bark of the stem is made up of very strong fibers, so strong, Bow string can be made from the cured fiber.
The coastal peoples of the northwest used the nettle fiber for all types of rope and string applications.

Stinging Nettle Leaf, see the fine hairs on the stem.

What part of the plant to we eat?

You will want to harvest the tender young stinging nettle leaves near the top of the short stalks in early spring.
Use gloves to pick a few leaves from each plant, no need to strip each plant completely.

And by the way, cooking the nettles, even briefly, they loose their ability to sting, and are safe to eat.
Also in the process of drying the leaves will not sting.

They generally grow in large numbers together, so it does not take long to harvest all you need.
To eat the tender leaves, rinse well, and steam or boil them like you would spinach. And they are excellent in omelets!

We also like to dry a pound or so of the nettle leaf each year to add extra nutrition to our tea, stew and soup during the long wet Oregon winters.
The leaf itself makes a hearty soup or tea, fresh or dried. An amazing plant, and one on the most important plants to get to know if you are interested in supplementing your diet with wild plants.

The leaves even when older and mature and inedible, still can be used to make very good tea and broth.

Nutrition

Stinging nettles are extremely nutritious and high in vitamin C, A, are higher in protein then most any other green vegetable. Very high in calcium, potash, magnesium, and iron.
Nettles are a very safe and nutritious plant to eat.
I eat them raw, fresh off the plant. And yes, most of the time without being stung.

Happy foraging!

“For the only real wealth is in the experience, the appreciation of real beauty."

Umpqua Watersheds needs our support for all the great work they do. Lifesong Wilderness Adventures is donating a ‘Weekend Survival Basic’s’ course for two, towards the silent auction.
See you there!

Celebrate the Umpqua’s mighty rivers and towering forests along with the end of winter with live music from the local band Irish Crème and Mark Baratta at Umpqua Watersheds 14th Annual Winter Celebration with its theme entitled: Think Like a Mountain.

Thinking like a mountain,

plans to start off the New Year by continuing its agenda to protect the best and restore the rest. The restoration of old clear-cuts back into viable forest habitat is one the highest priorities.

The celebration begins with a social hour at 5pm with FREE hors d’oeuvres and The Wild Wetlands no-host bar, which features fine local wines and hand-crafted microbrew offerings by Ninkasi Brewing Company of Eugene. Dinner will start at 6:30pm with a short presentation exploring the world of forest restoration by Mark Bey of Lomakatsi Restoration Project.

From Southern Oregon University, the Director of Native American Studies, David West will be the Keynote Speaker. As an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Mr. West will share the indigenous perspective of ‘healing the mother.’

Umpqua Watersheds’ Silent Auction will feature some of the finest gifts from the Northwest and specifically the Umpqua: from local chocolates, wines and rafting equipment to weekend get-a-ways in the heights of Portland skyscrapers. Everyone will be able find something they can afford and enjoy while knowing the proceeds go to protect and restore the wild Umpqua.

Tickets are only $25 in advance or $30 at the door and are available at:

- While Away Books on Harvard in Roseburg
- New Day Groceries near Library in Roseburg
- Promise Natural Foods in Canyonville
- Harvest Store in Winston
- UW office on 539 SE Main in downtown Roseburg (M-Th from 1:30 to 5:30pm)

Call to make reservations: 541-580-9120 or email: starnesforest@live.com

There are two dominate survival skills to focus on at lifesong Wilderness Adventures during the winter months.

Number one ~ Fire making!

Two ~ shelter.

Fire making is an art form on the Oregon coast during the winter months.  If you can make fire consistently here, you can make fire anywhere.

Celeste likes to joke to our clients, “to fully experience what it is like to make fire on the Oregon coast compared to any other environment in north America, is to hop in the shower and turn the water on full blast.”  She is not kidding!

Our challenge: to consistently produce a warming fire using a paper match and flint & steel.

Learning to make fire consistently in all types of weather is a great skill, and one you will be thankful you have.

“For the only real wealth is in the experience, the appreciation of real beauty."

Below are a few quotes from – Trails of a Wilderness Wanderer by -Andy Russel.  A contemporary frontiersman’s, cowboy, broncbuster, trapper,guide and outfitter, rancher, and wildlife photographer.

Its a great book!

“In 1919, the provincial government of British Columbia launched a campaign against the imaginary ravages of the cougar on big game, domestic livestock, and human beings, and enlarged the stupidity by declaring a bounty of forty dollars per cat scalp turned in by its citizens of that province.”    -Andy Russel

“He who has not walked alone and fished for trout
on a wild river midst peaks
beneath a sky adrift with clouds
has not really had a look at his beginning
or come to fully understand himself.

For it is in such unscarred country beyond the marks of of wheels
that a man really finds himself – knowing the warm feeling in his soul
that only fear is the enemy and that true values are not measured in bank accounts
cached away in artificial edifices of stone,
but in the depth of serenity and peace
where air is clean and water flows cold and pure.” -Andy Russel

“For the only real wealth is in the experience, the appreciation of real beauty, and the friends we gather along the way. It is knowing that a tree is something besides a stack of two-by-fours piled on end waiting to be cut, something more than just an obstruction to a right of way to be bulldozed flat and burned. It is a feeling for a mountain going far beyond the minerals and the water power it may contain. It is knowing that a clean river is something of vastly greater value than a place to dump sewage or a possible location for a dam. It is the deep appreciation of a day in summer when the wild call of an eagle comes down from where it swoops and circles against the white breast of a cloud far above the peaks.” -Andy Russel

Early Morning Winter Camp

“My Lodge”  is a poem by -Duke Redbird the Author of “Native Indian Wild Game Fish & Wild Foods Cookbook.”

One of my favorite recipes in Duke Rebirds cookbook.
“Tuckers Stew for an Army”.
2 large sized buffalo brown gravy (Lots)
2 rabbits (optional) salt and pepper to taste

“Tuckers Stew for an Army”.

2 large sized buffalo    brown gravy  (Lots)
2 rabbits  (optional)    salt and pepper to taste
Reserve the heads and tails as you will need something to store the pieces in.
After its all cut up, put in a large pot and add enough brown gravy to cover the meat.
Vegetables may be added at this time to taste.
Cook stew over a kerosene fire about 4 weeks at 400F.
Periodically add water and stir.

This will serve about 3937 people. If more guests are expected, the 2 rabbits may be added, but do this only if necessary as most people do not like fine hare in their stew.”

My Lodge

Simple was my lodge
of Birch
Pure was the water
that I drank
Swift was the canoe
that carried me
Straight was the arrow
that protected me
Wild was the meat
that fed me
Sweet was the
Sugar Maple
Strong were the herbs
that sustained me
Great was my Mother
The Earth
-Duke Redbird

Duke dedicates his cook book -
To all who continue to teach the Old Ways
and Traditions of Native culture
to the next generation.
And to -
The millions of responsible hunters,
anglers and naturalists who
treat the earth with respect,
ensuring our children will
enjoy the beauty of nature
and the wilderness as we have.

Its a great cook book.
Includes a squirrel recipe or two and if you like Eel, Redbirds “Casserole of Eels”, makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

Oregon Dunes

Tis the season for sharing and giving, and we enjoy offering  a contest now and again.  And this is an opportunity for clients and guests to have some extra fun at our expense.

To all of you who make what we do at Lifesong possible; we appreciate it!

The contest is simple to enter and includes a chance for you to win a free camp and other awesome prizes.

We have our winners – Thanks everyone!
Check back again, we should have another contest for a free camp coming up soon.

Bivouacking in the Back Country

Everyone benefits from survival training even the most experienced adventurer.  There are countless stories in adventure magazines about the most normal “adrenalin junkie” out there: hiker, skier, mountaineer, adventurer racer, mountain biker, white water kayaker, to name a few.

Each individual has tremendous courage, ability and independence, but not all the answers.  When we think about our own skills, we are usually in a warm environment, with all our necessities met, an easy place to make decisions about survival.

We exude confidence when we strike out on the trail knowing we have extra provisions, navigational equipment etc.  Then before we know it, the GPS does not have a signal, the map disintegrated because it is out of the waterproof container, SPOT isn’t working, the batteries are run down, and the many thousands of other possible scenarios you do not think about while sipping your morning coffee and planning a great outing.

Mistakes culminate when you are tired, hungry, cold, frustrated, angry, and afraid.  No matter how well educated you become in the art of survival there is always more to learn about the places you travel and the way you travel in them.

Do you jump that deep, fast moving creek you barely made it across on your way up the trail, now you are tired and hungry because you forgot that sandwich in the cooler along with the extra bottle of water and you are tired and frustrated?  You made it the first time right….  These are stories we hear all the time, but how often do we make the same mistake even when we know better, we often “overdrive our headlights” when we think we know best. ‘

Now many states are charging for Search and Rescue activities and the bill is all yours especially if found negligent concerning the surroundings you are lost in.  There are survival experts, because people make poor choices.  Take advantage of their expertise before the bill arrives; it will be a lot cheaper, whether it is a rescue or a funeral.

Ancient Skills

In the November 2009 addition of  Outside Magazine, Joe Spring, writes briefly about Ben Sherwoods book, ” The Survival Club”.  In his bestseller, Sherwood writes, “that in survival situations we all fall into one of three groups.

The ten percent who lead others to safety, the 80 percent who tend to wait for instructions, or the 10 percent who freak out.”  “The twin enemies of survival are fear and inflexibility,” he says.  “Fear is demotivating and paralyzing.  Inflexibility means that you don’t adapt to the new reality.”

The number one survival skill

In the same addition of Outside Magazine, Toni Nester, a survival guru, is asked this burning question, whats the number one skill people should learn in case they get lost in the back country?  Mr. Nester replies, “fire making”.

According to INSI ( International News Safety Institute) this year, nine journalist have been killed while on assignment worldwide.

Recommended INSI training  for journalist sent overseas into hot spots?  Training should cover personal safety, landmines, pre-deployment issues, first aid skills and detention and captivity survival.  Training should also include how to make a security plan, how to set up travel and communication protocols with staff in the field as well as how to manage a crisis  and  report back on incidents.

What other types of training do you think would apply for your personal security and survival at home or abroad?

According to , Jeffery Miller,  the author of – The Best Self-Defense Strategy – The 6 Phases of a Perfect Self-Defense Plan.
“Each phase, or stage, itself, has the potential of reducing or completely eliminating your chances of ending up as a crime statistic as a victim of assault or some other serious crime.”

Miller recommends the following 6 phases of defense.
1. General Awareness
2. Awareness of Danger Potential
3. Escaping to Safety
4. Distraction Tactics
5. Project a Confident Attitude
6. Physical Self-Defense

Other personal security concepts for you to consider:
7. Mental Preparation
8. De-Escalation
9. Controlling Attack Range
10. Keeping and Maintaining Distance
11. Adrenal Stress Response – Panic – Fight or Flight
12. Accessing the Animal Within – Primal Response

This is by no means a complete list of self-defense strategy. However, there is plenty here to work with.

What about drinking water overseas and what are the risks?

Magellans travel supplies, urges customers to use caution with water while traveling – “Undertreated water is a wonderful home for microorganisms such as viruses (polio, hepatitis), bacteria (cholera, salmonella, streptococcus), and parasites (Giardia Lamblia, Cryptosporidium). Exposure to these organisms can cause serious illness, and in some cases may be fatal.” to right!

Personal Security & Survival Training Course

When I studied with Tom brown Jr. a class I really enjoyed immensely was Scout class.  So much so, I took every Scout course Tom offered.  Based on the Apache Scout Warrior philosophy.  All week we suffered through sleep deprivation, practiced open hand, knife, stick, and staff self-defense techniques.  Studied and avoided booby traps.  Studied human psychology, learned to move silently and use natural camouflage.

Some of the best Scouts I know are women, mothers and school teachers. To the chagrin of many a special ops professional, so ladies, this is a great camp to apply yourselves at the expense of us men.

Games included capture the flag, and a host of other physically and mentally exhaustive scenarios. Tom always drilled in us, that the Apache Scout was the last to pick up the lance. (To use physical violence), Tom taught us that the Apache Scout always had a host of other skills at his disposal before resorting to violence. And this is our philosophy as well.

I will admit, that this is no doubt, the most fun of all the camps we offer. In the past this course has been by invitation only. But, there is so much for you to learn from this course, and so much that can benefit you, plus its a blast, that we are excited to offer it without any prerequisites for 2010. If its a success like we think it will be, we will offer it as a regularly scheduled camp in the future.

Some of the best Scouts I know are women, mothers and school teachers. To the chagrin of many a special ops professional, so ladies, this is a great camp to apply yourselves at the expense of us men.

What You Will learn

You will want to be in good physical condition for this camp.  We will be camping out and conditions, like all our camps, are primitive.  We will not be training with any fire arms, and fire arms are not allowed at camp. You will learn self-defense techniques using open hand, rubber knife, short sticks, and staff.

You will learn to work as a team with your other students, while avoiding other teams that are operating in the same area.  An important part of camp will be developing your awareness to react to what is happening around you, how to function under stress, breathing techniques, blending in with natural camouflage.
Emergency shelter, fire making, and water purification will also be covered.

All meals included.

Personal Security & Survival Training Course  $550

Yes, you can pay by personal check, money order, or cashiers check. Visit the contacts page for our mailing address ~ Here.

Click Here to read Registration Policies before purchasing camp.

California Dates 2010

• April 28 – May 01

• June 02-05

Discounts

Register as a group of four or more and receive a 10% discount. ($495 per person).

This course is open to students 16 years and older with parents consent.

We will have the Paypal button up shortly for your convenience.

Thank you.

Lifesong's Wilderness Adventures Adult Survival Training

What are the adult Circle Survival Camps?

“The adult Circle camp survival series is a wilderness skills methodology that guides you from a beginning level of knowledge, and transforms you into an experienced advanced outdoors adventurer in four weeks of training.”      Mark Wienert Jr.

The Circle survival series, are four specific training camps. The successive Circle camps, First through Fourth, build on each other adding new and more advanced hands on experience in wilderness survival and nature awareness.

Why do you organize your training this way?

Nature teaches us that in order to survive; we must have a working knowledge of specific skills to meet our basic needs for survival. In developing this level of skill, we must first build a strong foundation using the fundamentals of wilderness survival in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. You start this process by building your foundation in First Circle Camp, and progressively adding more advanced concepts and skills in the Second, Third and Fourth Survival Camp series.

Can I attend more than one Circle Camp a year?

Yes, First and Second Circle and Third and Fourth Circle’s follow as back to back camps. You can also attend all four camps back to back in 2010.

Who is eligible to attend Circle Camps?

Any adult 18 and older, active, and can walk and hike in uneven to steep terrain. Our Circle camps are not a passive experience.

I have never camped before. Is this the right program for me?

Absolutely! This is a great course to start your training. You receive personalized attention in a relaxed, comfortable, non pressured atmosphere.

I have lots of experience in the outdoors, why should I consider your program?

With over 40 years of outdoor and professional experience in all aspects of the outdoors, including 15 years as a survival instructor, then, I believe the Circle Camps survival training is an excellent choice and a must for the experienced outdoors person.  More on this question – HERE

Do I have to be in good pyhsical condition to attend?

The First circle camp is designed such that you do not have to be in great shape to attend. Being in good shape will make your overall experience more comfortable, but not necessary. If you are able to walk at least two miles on uneven ground without having to call an ambulance, you will be fine.

Health Concerns?

If you have special health needs, we do our best to accommodate you so you are able to attend training.

Where do we sleep?

Personal tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag are required gear to attend our Circle Camps. Don’t have a tent or pad, contact us about our tent and sleeping pad rentals.

Will we have to eat bugs at camp?

Our good friend Bear Grylls, took insect and dead animal cuisine to a new level in the Man Vs Wild show. The answer is yes and no. You will always have the opportunity to try wild edibles including insects and plants. We do not “make ” you eat things you do not want to. The idea is to pass on the knowledge just in case you may have to some day.

What will we eat at camp?

We take pride in the food we serve at camp and provide good, wholesome, organic and free range foods when possible. Most meals are vegetarian. (Due to the remoteness of camp, it is difficult storing easily perishable foods.)

Where are the Circle Camps held?

We operate out of two primary and seasonal primitive camp locations in northern California near the MT. Shasta area.  Our rugged “High summer Camp” in the Klamath MT’s, at 6300′ feet, and low “Winter Camp” at an elevation just under 4000′ feet.  Both locations are rich in wildlife, plant, and geologic diversity.

The Circle Camp Survival Series Overview

1. 1. First Circle Survival Camp consists of the four basic tenets of survival; shelter, water, fire, and food. During this basic wilderness survival camp you will discover the how, why and where you can obtain your immediate needs without modern conveniences.
2. 2. Second Circle Survival Camp focuses on nature awareness and animal tracking. In Second Circle, you increase your ability to read natures book while learning to blend into and flow with the rhythmus of the natural world. This is where you learn where to hunt and forage. In addition, you are continuing to develop the skills and knowledge from First Circle.
3. 3. Third Circle Survival Camp furthers your survival skills by practicing hunting by using primitive weapons, traps, and gathering techniques.  (We do not actually take animals in this course.) The valuable awareness cultivated during Second Circle will help you understand these techniques and skill needed to obtain everything you need.
4. 4. Fourth Circle Survival Camp is where you weave all the combined survival skills learned in First, Second and Third Circle, and join Mark in a wilderness adventure walk-about for four days and four nights.

Circle Camp wilderness survival training will prepare, challenge, and educate you in the protocols of wilderness survival. You will learn how you can survive if the need arises, by learning, practicing and applying our time honored survival techniques.

Back to First Circle Camp – Here!

The EDGE May 2009

I have been emailing clients this beautiful autumn morning when I came across an e-mail from Darren.  Darren, along with his brother Rick  signed up and completed  The EDGE challenge – May 2009.  Darren had e-mailed this note when I was away at camp this last summer a couple of months after he attended his extreme survival camp.

What strikes me the most when we receive correspondence from our clients, is the affirmation that wilderness survival skills continue to make a huge and positive impact in peoples lives.  This is why I began teaching wilderness survival and nature awareness in the first place.

The same positive and empowering impact these skills have had on our clients are the very same ones  that I experienced when I first began my studies in wilderness survival, nature awareness, tracking, and Bushcraft many years ago.  I have always maintained, that as guides, we only facilitate the interaction, the interface, between people and wildness.  To submerge oneself in wilderness I reckon, is an experience akin to aliveness!

There is an old saying:  You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.  But for Darren and Rick, they both drank deeply and savored all that the moment offered.

“Hey Mark,

I hope this email finds you well.  I wanted to thank you again for an amazing experience at the edge camp. Rick and I had a great time learning about the wild and how to survive with nothing! It was great getting to know you, I wish we had more time. Maybe when Rick and I climb Shasta you can join us.I did receive the shirt and cigar, thanks a lot. People ask me about the shirt all the time. I hope business has been good this summer, you truly deserve a lot of credit for important teachings that you are instilling in people.I for one am a better person because of it.” ~ Darren D.

Thanks Darren & Rick!

Carlos S., drove all they way down from Portland Oregon to attend our Weekend Survival camp – 2009.  We had a great time and did all the crazy stuff we do at camp.  When Carlos returned home he dropped me an awesome testimonial of his experience with us and what was really wonderful, he sent us this picture passing his knowledge on to his children.. entitled ` “The legacy of your teaching.”
“Carlos here… from a few weeks back. Attached you will find evidence of your legacy I have always believed that the best way to cement knowledge is to pass it on to others.  So I presented my kids with the challenge of creating a one-match fire.   Starting with proper match-lighting technique (3 finger support, long fast stroke, wind shielding) and moving on to proper pyramid fire construction (tinder, kindling, etc).  Encouraging healthy competition my kids went to work and all of them did very well in their own way. Ultimately my eldest son (14) ”won” with a beautifully executed performance. Thanks again for all that you share. I hope to learn more from you soon.” ~ Carlos S.

Weekend Survival Training with Carlos - 2009

Passing on the knowledge

Thanks Carlos!