I believe that we humans quite naturally gravitate to plants on so many levels. The tree that beckons us to climb its sturdy limbs, the juicy berry that invites a tasting, and the tall grass that would make a great shelter all speak to the universal pull that we experience thanks to wild plants. Why, then, are so many ignorant of this vital realm today? I believe that the answer lies largely in lack of exposure. When adults expose their children to little else than the electronic claptrap and useless baubles of modern society that inundate our lives today they miss an opportunity to help connect these young souls to Nature.
A quick look at most habitable environments on our planet soon reveals that, indeed, plants dominate our world. Even today, while people live increasingly disconnected from Nature, they seem to long for its solace more than ever. We still rely upon plants for our oxygen, for beauty, and for countless resources that make our lives possible. Still, we as a species seem hellbent on destroying that which so obviously supports us. We indeed tend to destroy that which we consider foreign or useless. While there are no easy solutions to reconnecting humans with Nature, I believe that wild plants can play a key role in this process.
Regardless of your age and other interests, I strongly encourage you to venture outside to your nearest wild area with the goal of making the acquaintance of some of your native plant neighbors. Even if you don't know their names, reach out and touch them, smell them, and use all of your senses to immerse yourself into a different reality - one that relies not upon other humans, but rather upon plants. Stepping "out of the box" in this fashion can provide profound insights not only into the plant under your inspection, but also into yourself!
Curiosity goes a long way in introducing yourself to plants and in remembering how to identify them. When people complain that its too difficult to identify wild plants, I point out that they can readily recognize a bevy of domesticated food plants in a supermarket, even if they are unlabeled. If you can tell a peach from a nectarine, an orange from a grapefruit, or a head of lettuce from one of cabbage, then you indeed possess the skills required to distinguish wild useful plants! Of course, one of the best and time-tested ways to learn about plants and their uses is from other, more seasoned people. A few field guides go a long way in this regard, but nothing takes the place of direct teacher-student relationship. Acquiring knowledge about wild plants is likely one of if not the oldest skills possessed by humans - a tradition that runs deep within us.
Soon after identifying a particular plant you may be curious if it is edible, if it might help a Poison Ivy rash, or wonder what other qualities it may possess that could benefit you. There is no magical shortcut in learning this knowledge. Study the plants directly, learn from those more knowledgeable than yourself, and consult field guides when you can and (before you know it) you've learned about a few useful plant species! After several months of applying yourself you may well have a nice list or even journal going of the plants that you learned. To this you can begin to add their uses - not by way of mere repetition from other sources but by trying these things for yourself.
Start basic and small with your first experiments. For example, if you're interested in wild edibles, then perhaps sample some wild blackberries or other familiar fruit before tackling more difficult and potentially dangerous species. If you would like to learn fire by friction (i.e. "rubbing 2 sticks together" to create fire) then first learn a few of the softer, yet strong and resin-free woods of your region even before any rubbing occurs!. Experimentation rarely fails to net interesting results when learning various ethnobotanical skills. Do beware, however, of foolhardy moves in regards to wild edible and medicinal plants, as one key mistake is all that it takes to turn a passion in a postscript! This is yet another reason to study with the experts, who have trod a similar path and are now able to guide you along yours. Good ones are able to help guide you through your learning process in a safe and engaging fashion.
I find myself now in this position of Ethnobotany guide and expert. It has taken me many years to admit this to myself, as I mostly despise the latter term. Many so-called experts lack the first-hand knowledge of their topic and are mere shadows of those that have an in-depth understanding of their passion, born of direct experience. Further, it is the wild plants themselves that are the "stars" of Ethnobotany. The focus should be on them, not on the person teaching about them. So, while I would love to have you as my student, I vow to devote this blog to the plants and not to impressing anyone with what I've done with them. I will speak about my Ethnobotany adventures and my experiences with plants, but hopefully with a humility born of a deep respect for these incredible life-givers.
As I travel in Arizona and throughout the world, I find myself increasingly connected to wild plants. They pervade my life, while enriching it beyond comprehension. When I am surrounded by them, I am enveloped by friends, but when there are few or none around (as in many urban areas) then my soul quickly longs for their beauty, solace, mystery, and familiarity. I know that I will always seek the secret world of plants wherever I find myself.
You too can artfully intertwine your world with that of wild plants. They will be your friends for life, providing you with adventure and challenge whenever you venture to any place with even a remnant of wildness. You don't have to be a professional botanist or scientist to learn them. Just remember that all of us are ethnobotanists with a working knowledge of plants - some are just better than others!
**Take a class, trip, workshop, or internship with RAVENS-WAY WILD JOURNEYS. We offer a wide range of adventures, including Ethnobotany and many related topics!
Check out our website at : www.ravensnatureschool.com
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