Spring Things

Well, it was a long hard Winter, but the onset of Spring (almost;) makes up for it!!!  Nature provides us with so many treasures this time of year.  There are acres of dandelions that can be harvested and used in so many ways,   Morel mushrooms that grow in abundance in the forest and can be in your frying pan serving after serving, (given you're a good mushroom scout of course), greens of all types, flavors, and sizes dot the countryside and are used to fill the need for veggies on the table until the garden kicks in.  It's truly amazing how much food is around us and all we have to do is familiarize ourselves to the edibles in our area in order to take advantage of the bounty.  Do yourself a favor and if you haven't already spend some quality time with someone say twice your age who is an avid outdoor person.  A single afternoon with an "old timer" will not only make for a wonderful and fun-filled experience that you'll both enjoy but it will also open your eyes to what Nature is providing you with every Spring.  You just need to know what to look for, how to find it, and where to look for it.  Another invaluable resource on the forage front is The Conservation Department.  They offer a wealth of information and even provide a variety of classes and courses on the subject that can ultimately make you a master when it comes to identifying local edibles.  This time spent will pay you back time and time again.  To be exact,  it will pay you back every time Spring things begin to sprout, blossom, and pop!!!

Fresh poke greens