I always loved to forage

When I was little and my family would go camping in Hartman Creek State Park, the rangers hosted a hike that was forage focused. They’d point to all the plants and tell us how we could use them. Some were edibles, some were medicinal and some were both. I remember going on the hike, every chance I got. One hike, my nose started to bleed and the ranger said I could use yarrow to help stop the bleeding. It was a funny little plant to shove up my nose!

What really stayed with me was the realization that there was food all around us, if we knew where to look for it. Since then, I’ve always had a desire to grow food. From my first apartment balcony garden of large rubbermaid totes filled with dirt and herbs to my current yard, which has 22 fruit trees, I’ve come a long way! Now, I want to help others plant good food and share the bounty with those who need it.

This is where Community Harvest League comes in. With this program, I hope to find others that enjoy that feeling of caring for plants that feed us and those that want to give back to their communities by foraging in each others own backyards.