Mother Nature has pretty good taste. Her landscaping skill is second to none, and she’ll even share it with you.
It is permissible to collect many species of native plants from national forests. All you need is a special use permit which can be obtained at any ranger district or at the forest headquarters. In some cases, they are free of charge.
The forests of Washington boast a plethora of beautiful native plants, like this trillium. Photo by The Chronicle.
One advantage to collecting native plants is that they are generally easier to adapt to the backyard than ornamental or exotic plants purchased in a store. This is because climate, soil and other local conditions match the growing environment of the native species better than that of an exotic or ornamental plant. Native plants are usually easier to grow and will survive most extreme conditions, and generally require about half as much water as ornamentals.
Another benefit of landscaping with native flora is that it creates valuable habitat for birds and wildlife. Native plants can provide food, shelter, cover, nest or den material and other critical factors for birds and wildlife, even if it is just in a backyard setting.
Mother Nature has a practical side, too, providing wild foods that sustained the Pacific Northwest’s first residents. Appreciation of what nature has to offer has brought many back to the forest to gather the unique flavors and textures of plants, fruits, berries, roots and mushrooms.
Hikers might see animals like this pika, which peaks out from a rock face east of Packwood. Photo by Brian Mittge.
While many Northwest plants and berries are safe and delicious, it is important to be able to properly identify a wild food source before eating it. Reliable field guides are available at bookstores and libraries. Concentrating on just one or two easily identifiable species is recommended for beginning foragers.
A permit system is in place on all federal land for the collection of many herbaceous species. Always check with the nearest forest service office or ranger station before collecting plants other than berries or mushrooms.
A word of caution though, an afternoon of foraging the mountains and meadows of Lewis County with an experienced collector or a reliable guidebook could lead to a lifetime of enjoyment of Mother Nature’s flavorful bounty.