Melissa officinalis or Lemon Balm in common speak. Is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). A medicinal, square stemmed herb originating from southern Europe. Lemon Balm is now a naturalized medicinal plant in the US and Canada. Sometimes called Bee Balm as honey bees favor this herbaceous plant. Mildly antiviral, the hairy leaves made […]
Foraging Edible Mushrooms
Foraging edible mushrooms in the forests of the Oregon coast lead us to this striking King Bolete. A popular edible mushroom for foragers. Each autumn, this choice mushroom springs from the damp earth of the forest floor. Boletes edulis, also known as Porcine, and Ce’p, the King Bolete is prized and foraged by mushroom enthusiasts […]
The Amazing Blue Elderberry
I am a pushover for the blue elderberry. Sambucus cerulea and S. racemosa, an amazing shrub that offers the knowledgeable forager a tremendous bounty of uses. Parts of the blue elderberry are used for making friction fire, musical instruments, hunting weapons, and traps. late summer and early autumn are the best time to harvest ripe […]
What should I take for a Wilderness Survival Weekend
This is the recommended gear list for our California Weekend Survival School. All items on the checklist below are important for an enjoyable and comfortable wilderness survival weekend experience. Tent, ground tarp, and sleeping pad. Rent a tent/pad, and a carving knife for camp Sleeping bag, pillow Eating utensils – cup for hot drinks, bowl, […]