Sedges have edges
Rushes are round
Grasses are hollow right up from the ground.
There are exceptions to this basic rule. But poetry is a valuable learning tool in nature study.
I am blessed with an amazing range of nature educators. Some are dedicated to teaching. Others do not even know they are teachers, but their impact rivals that of Barry Keegan.
I taught 12-year-old Caleb how to harvest wild garlic. He responded with that well-known poem by an unknown poet, before bounding off to share his new discovery with his parents.
I love finding a new teacher. I’m fond of anyone with the passion to share nature discoveries, although I’m not crazy about some teaching styles.
George Johanson is once again the source of the first wisteria of the season.
This year he’s responsible for my first taste of elm seeds.
George is a passionate forager and devotee of Samuel Thayer. I feel a bit like a scolded child for not memorizing Thayer’s field guide, The Forager’s Harvest. I am a kinesthetic learner. If I don’t at least see the plant around me (and touch, smell or taste it), I’m less likely to remember it.
When I see families spending time in nature, exploring every plant, insect, reptile or other living being, I become hopeful. I needed that dose of hope after a recent encounter with a parent so unfit, I’m tempted to call Child Protective Services.
But I digress.
I am deeply grateful for spring. The leaves are emerging, songbirds are proclaiming their presence, and the days are getting longer. As long as there are trees, songbirds and people willing to spend time in nature, I’m hopeful.
People who make a living as Nature Educators have a daunting task. I am deeply grateful to anyone who devotes their energy to this work. Having knowledge and sharing that knowledge are two different skills.
Are those wild scallions? I remember that being one of the first discoveries of my childhood and how delighted I was at the bulbous roots of what I thought was grass when I initially tore it out of the ground.
Comment by Cy — June 4, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
Thanks for your comment, Cy.
This is a photo of wild garlic (Allium ursinum). As a child, I called it “onion grass,” and felt the same delight at finding an early season wild edible after the long, cold New England winter.
This plant and ramps, or wild leeks, can be harvested for a delightful meal. Trout lilies and spring beauties also have edible bulbous roots, which are tiny and take much longer to gather enough to eat.
Comment by jj_murphy — June 5, 2008 @ 6:28 am