WriterByNature.com

May 30, 2006 2:24 am

We’re having a heat wave.

As the insect population explodes with increased heat and humidity, spider webs become fascinating objects for study. The following project is intended for spider webs that are no longer in use. (more…)

May 27, 2006 3:46 am

Here’s what was on my mind this past week while (mostly) immersed in nature. (more…)

May 26, 2006 3:59 am

The last two weeks have been prime time for birds and birders.

Every species that nests and breeds is here and “on territory” and the last of the migrants have been passing through.

I’ve discovered that bird identification becomes easier with ready access to one or more identification keys. I’ve been testing my portable birding tools and my newly discovered wild plant playing card deck.

In the last ten days I’ve been on a SPARC sponsored bird walk, spent a few days overnight in a new area and field tested Birding by Ear by Richard Walton, the Identiflyer song player with song cards for bird identification and Wild Cards: Edible Wild Foods (All Ages)by Linda Runyon. (more…)

May 24, 2006 9:26 pm

Stropharia rugosoannulata Photos:

Pleuteus petasatus photos:

May 19, 2006 4:40 am

I gathered the cattails from a reservoir, but my test nibbles made my tongue tingle.

Even when I know the plant and the environment, I still test every wild edible I gather.

Cattails filter impurities from water. Something’s up with this reservoir, because phragmites are taking over. Phragmites are generally more salt tolerant and will crowd out cattails. This is not a good sign. (more…)

May 18, 2006 1:51 am

I took advantage of a break in the rainy streak to step into the primordial ooze.

Cattail (Typha latifolia) shoots are one of my favorite wild edibles and it’s worth slogging through mud to harvest them.

For excellent information, clear photos and imaginative recipes, check out “Wildman” Steve Brill’s website. When they’re young like this, I like cattail shoots chopped up in salads. I’m going to blanch a few and see how they freeze.

I chose the cattail as my logo, because this plant – from its roots to its tip – provides a source of food all year round. Cattails have such a bounty of uses that they really are “one-stop wilderness shopping.” (more…)

May 14, 2006 3:17 am

Mae Barnes Jillson died on Mother’s Day 2001 at the age of 96. If I had to describe her in one word, it would be: Dignity.

She began her teaching career in 1919, worrying that her little charges might run into the road, where if a car backfired and a horse reared, the child would be in danger.

By the time she finally allowed herself to retire, computers replaced pencils in most first grade classrooms. (more…)

May 9, 2006 4:36 am

In the United States we’re used to full shelves, so I was surprised when I ran into my local grocery store for a head of lettuce, to see literally bare shelves.

The produce manager said a delivery had not arrived. I’m not sure why, but without much hesitation, my mind shifted to steamed nettles and wild edible salad. (more…)

May 8, 2006 5:24 am

Water follows shelter in the sacred order of wilderness survival.

This is the main reason I carry plastic bags and a cotton bandanna as part of my pocket survival kit. Follow these two techniques – solar tree still and dew wiping – to get drinkable water in any location with nonpoisonous vegetation. (more…)

May 7, 2006 4:11 am

Ironically, one of my early New York City discoveries in the early 1980’s was naturalist and forager “Wildman” Steve Brill. He not only identifies the plant, but has an extensive knowledge of the nutrients, and any number of inventive recipes.

After a long absence from the area, I got lucky and found out that Steve was leading a group in nearby Bear Mountain State Park yesterday. My time was well invested. (more…)