I’m fortunate enough to live where grapevines grow.
More than just a wild edible, this plant can provide water and cordage in a survival situation. It also attracts a wide range of birds and animals for nature observation.
Here’s one fun way to learn about grapevines. This activity is perfect for a short hike and even better for a repeat hike.
Grapevines grow in the thickets and open woodlands of the eastern United States. They climb neighboring plants in search of sunlight.
Look carefully and you will see the woody vine. In spring and summer palmate (hand-shaped) leaves grow opposite soft, pliable tendrils. Touch stimulates the tendril (a phenomenon known as thigmotropism).
Find a leaf stem or long thick blade of grass and make a loop out of it.
Hang the loop on a soft tendril (not a dried curly tendril) and continue your hike or outdoor activity for one to two hours.
When you return to the loop, you will notice that the previously straight tendril has begun to coil around it.
If you return a day later, you will see the tendril coiled completely around the loop.