For those of us who descended from European settlers, it is common to view gardening and foraging as distinct (albeit food-related) activities - one involves direct cultivation, and the other involves harvesting what mother nature has produced herself. If we consider Indigenous history and experience, however, we see how many “wild” foods have been carefully managed in ways that could and should be considered as “gardening” in the Western sense.¹ Through careful observation and strong norms of stewardship and reciprocity, Indigenous practices such as controlled burns, selective harvesting, and the intentional sowing of seeds in opportune places, led to the development of dynamic ecosystems that supported both human and non-human needs for centuries.²

In Minnesota, the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples have maintained their own deep and complex relationships with the land and its inhabitants. Both tribes view the land as a living entity, deserving of mutual respect. Ceremonies are often conducted in the harvesting of wild rice and other foods, giving thanks to the earth for its resources and establishing an ethic of responsibility for the ongoing health of individual species and full ecosystems. Modern foragers should adopt this same mindset by approaching the land with humility and gratitude.

Selective harvesting is perhaps the most critical practice that aligns with these principles. Indigenous peoples sought to harvest only as much as plant populations would allow, ensuring that enough fruits, seeds, nuts, and fungi persisted as future food sources for humans and nonhumans alike. Careful foraging is not just good manners; it is fully in our own self-interest! Similarly, using all parts of the plant reduces waste and is a demonstration of respect for the lives of all kinds that support our wellbeing. 

Beyond the moral imperative to forage responsibly, you must be mindful of current rules and regulations that can vary by location and jurisdiction. And, if you are hoping to forage on private property, always secure permission first. In all cases, foraging responsibly requires a certain amount of knowledge of the particular food and an awareness of its surroundings for potential growth or threats.

There are a number of great resources available for anyone interested in learning more about specific plants, mushrooms, and other wild foods. Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants is widely considered authoritative and provides a comprehensive introduction to hundreds of species. Kelly Kindscher’s Edible Wild Plants of the Prairie: An Ethnobotanical Guide also includes a great deal of Indigenous history and culture surrounding the use of many familiar (and unfamiliar) plants. As common sense would dictate, unless you are already familiar with a particular species it is absolutely necessary to positively identify what is in front of you and learn how to safely consume it.

Foraging sustainably is more important than ever as our natural resources face the additional increasing pressures of climate change, invasive species, and urban development. In order to promote the health and wellbeing of human and nonhuman worlds, we must honor the enduring wisdom and teachings of the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples. Ethical foraging is more than just a list of rules or practices—it is an ongoing relationship between people and the land that nurtures us.  

Next time you find yourself moseying for morels or rooting for ramps, I hope you will think of yourself not as someone who has come simply to take and consume, but to garden and grow.

¹  An excellent resource to begin learning about these practices is M. Kat Anderson’s Tending the Wild

Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources.

²  There has been a great deal of modern research on how, for example, Indigenous peoples intentionally supported the biodiversity and soil quality of the Amazon rainforest, once thought by European colonizers (and perhaps still by some today) to be an untamed wilderness.

Photo Credits: public domain (1-3)