Harvesting is Year Round

When you live somewhere surrounded by Public Lands, it's easy to see everything as yours for the the taking so it can be hard to remember that others need it too, and not just other humans. As a life-long forager and wildcrafter, I found myself applying the principles I use when foraging on public lands on the farm, and learning to apply some of the care and attention I use on the farm to public lands. You can read more about it on a series about foraging that I'm writing for Wild Montana here. And, of course, learn more about it at any of my on-farm foraging classes or workshops!

When they've been there all our life, it can be easy to take our public lands for granted but they require stewardship, and not just from those paid to do it, but from all of us. Being 'on the land' these last 5 years of farming in a deeper way than I've ever been before, I've seen how much us humans have forgotten that we depend upon these lands for all that we have. Your phone, your truck, your home, everything you own is 'from the land'. It may look very different that a mineral, tree, or animal, but it all once was. Being able to give as well as take, 'care for' as well as 'be cared for' is just as important. Not just as a material transaction, a payment for a service or object, but as a recognition of life, a gratefulness for the giving and the taking. 

So the next time you step into the woods, the field, our public lands, even if you can't give anything else, give a gift of your thanks, your appreciation, your gratitude for all the lives that had to be taken for you to live.

Look carefully in these two pictures and you'll notice a bit more than pretty flowers. They both have bugs! eeww right!? not always. This spider and beetle aren't doing anything bad by being there, they are actually helping the plants by eating or fighting away bugs that want to cause harm to the blooms. 
While most cut flowers are covered in pesticides to keep them looking perfect and safe from those harmful bugs, it also kills the helpful ones as well as not being too great for everything else. So while finding a few bugs on your bouquet might seem icky, the things you can't see on those perfect-looking store bought blooms is much more eewww. ​

I got to spend my weekend volunteering to clear trail! (sorry, in case you missed me at Kalispell Market!) It's a fun time helping to make our public lands more accessible for hikers, backpackers, and horse riders. If you wanna get out there too both Wild Montana and Friends of Scotchman Peaks has trail days.

Working on trails you don't necessarily get to see too much as you're not hiking all day but you do get to know an area really well, and you'll start to see trails differently. You'll notice a slump here or see clogged drain there. 
It also teaches appreciation for well-maintained trails and the work that goes into keeping them that way as well as what it would take to make a new trail and it changes your relationship to our lands.

Future Learning OpportunitiesAre you ready to step into the wilderness?
HIKE: South Fork of Ross Creek: FSPW: July 2nd
FULL!  Leave the summer crowds behind as we make our way through the ancient Cedars, following the creek up to a waterfall. It’s 9 miles roundtrip with 1300 feet of elevation gain, a small price to pay for getting away from the hustle and bustle along the nature trail. Get on the waitlist here!

Relational Farming: Dragon's Breath Farm: July 9th
Our discussion will focus on the 'why' and 'how' behind the systems and methods I have used to develop farming practices that sit within a worldview that recognizes the sovereignty of the land and all the non-humans that live on it. Going deeper than the popular concepts of permaculture to reset our place and belonging as humans in our relation to land. Sign up here!
HIKE: Foraging Hike at Spar Lake: FSPW : July 10th
Embark on a magical journey through the lush forest, as you discover the hidden treasures nature has to offer. Follow your senses and collect wild edibles, vibrant berries, and fragrant herbs. The crackle of leaves beneath your feet and the sweet scent of pine needles in the air makes this foraging hike an unforgettable adventure.Join staff member Juli Thurston and board member Megan Leach for a fun day on the trail foraging.  We will meet at the Big Spar Lake Trailhead.  Bring lunch, snacks plenty of water, and a bag to carry your foraging finds! Sign up here!

What's available this week?

• Veggies!
  • Spicy Mix
  • Mild Mix
  • Basil Microgreens
  • Onion Microgreens
  • Lamb's Quarters - the oldest cultivated green
  • Sorrel - the tangy green
  • Basil - three ways
  • Petal Power - Edible Flowers
• Seeds!
  • so many varieties to get your garden growing
• Herbals
  • Dragon's Scale Salve
  • Bud Blood Salve
• Flowers
  • Dried Bouquets
  • Petal Sachets
  • Fresh Bouquets
• Jewelry
  • Bead Woven Bracelets & Rings
• Recycled Paper

Where to find it all?


Find me and all the farm goodies both Thursdays and Saturdays.
Thursdays from 3-630pm at The Farmers Market at Libby
&
Saturdays from 9-1230pm at the Kalispell Farmers Market