Wild "Grocery Shopping"

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Follow our guide through the wilds on a designated "Grocery Shopping" Trip. 

Learn what's on the "shopping list" and why. Discover which "aisles" to browse to find them and the appropriate selection process for each. Along the way, discuss their processing techniques and uses, and the "payment methods" behind the "haul".

Although these events are our Guide's "Grocery Shopping" Trips, sharing the "haul" with any interested (adult) participants is part of the fun!

DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Difficult

Some "aisles" are better maintained than others, and sometimes we might just have to make our own altogether. Prepare for all possibilities and weather conditions to be safe, and think of these trips as "Bushwhacking-lite". 

Expect to kneel/squat regularly, and stoop or lean in awkward positions occasionally as we negotiate with prickly undergrowth for passage when necessary. Mud and burs/hitchhikers are almost nonnegotiable...

Depending on the season, recent weather conditions and terrain, the pace of each trip will vary greatly; sometimes abundance will be discovered within moments of setting out, other times only after a bit of hiking and abuse from the undergrowth, and other times not at all.

Exposure to hazards like poison ivy, thorns, etc. is unavoidable so it is imperative that proper precautions are taken at all times. Sturdy boots and appropriate clothing (e.g., long and tough pants) is a requirement.

DURATION: ~2.5 - 3.0 Hours

Each "grocery trip" varies in length due to the influence of several variables, but are generally expected to last between two and three hours. Needing to slosh through vernal pools, maneuver over/under recent tree-fall, and/or battle through dense brambles will slow down the trip's pace. Responsible gathering can also be a time consuming process, especially when certain roots or tubers are on the "shopping list". 

CREATURE CLIMATE: Moderate to Difficult

Depending on the season, harassment by the Mosquito Hoard is inevitable. Prepare appropriately or expect to be a walking blood buffet...

Ticks are a similar, but more subtle, threat. Do not be fooled just because they're not as blatantly obnoxious as Mosquitoes - protect yourself at all times.

With the exception of Mosquitoes and Ticks, it is rare to be met with outright aggression when crossing paths with local creatures in these areas. Most will avoid us entirely (i.e., deer etc.), some may observe from a distance out of curiosity (i.e., wild turkeys, crows, etc.), and others hide in place until the last minute so that they can flee in a sudden burst of noise to startle you in retaliation (i.e., grouse).... 

All jokes aside, while there are hazardous animals in these areas to be aware of (i.e., coyote, rutting buck, porcupine, etc.) seeing them at all is uncommon (they generally prefer to avoid humans), and it is even more uncommon to have a dangerous encounter with them. In a very real way the biggest threat that will be encountered is the smallest and most unimposing of creatures - ticks, and to a lesser degree, mosquitoes.

SUBJECT OVERVIEW

The following core topics will be addressed during each excursion:

• Responsible Access (foraging and off-trail exploring prohibitions, trespassing, consequences, etc.)
• General Safety (guarding against ticks, identifying and avoiding environmental hazards etc.)
• Stewardship Principles (recognizing and managing access impact, etc.)
• Plant Identification and Safety (safe and hazardous, uses and dangers, etc.)
• Mushroom Identification and Safety (how to identify mushroom species, safe and hazardous species, uses and dangers etc.)
• Responsible gathering practices and practical methods unique to specific plant and mushrooms
• Storage techniques for wild plants and mushrooms (while gathering, during transportation, short-term, long-term, etc.)
• Processing techniques for wild plants and mushrooms

***MANDATORY GEAR***

To ensure everyone's safety, the below gear items are mandatory for all Wild "Grocery Shopping" Trips, and will be required for participation:

• Government-issued Photo Identification
• Provincial Health Card (or equivalent health coverage identification)
• Sturdy Hiking Boots (no sandals, flip-flops, running shoes etc.)
• High Visibility Shirt or Vest (will be provided)

GENERAL GEAR

General items you should bring to ensure you are able to get the most out of these trips are listed below. 

• Basket/Mesh Bags
• Small Gardening Spade
• Small Gardening Shears
• Small Utility Knife
• Snacks or a light (and portable) lunch

RECOMMENDED GEAR (by season)

Everyone is different in terms of what gear will be essential in ensuring their comfort under the conditions that may be encountered in wild spaces, so we've also included some optional but recommended gear to consider by season.

All Seasons:

• LONG Pants (not shorts)
• Water Bladder/Bottle
• Sun Protection
• Gaiters
• Dry Change of Clothes (leave in car; to change into later if you get wet)
• Change of Footwear (leave in car; to change into after event if you prefer)
• Wet-Wipes (leave in car; to clean up muddy/sweaty hands after event)

Spring:

• Bug-Proof, Long-Sleeved Shirt
• Bug-Proof Face Shield/Hood
• Bite/Prick-Proof Gloves
• Tall, Sturdy Rubber Boots
• Mosquito/Tick Protection
• Rain Coat/Poncho
• Towel (leave in vehicle; to dry off if needed and/or protect seats from mud)
• Cooler with Ice (leave in vehicle; to preserve and transport foraged items)

Summer:

• Extra Water (2-3L total)
• Bug-Proof, Long-Sleeved Shirt
• Bug-Proof Face Shield/Hood
• Bite/Prick-Proof Gloves
• Mosquito/Tick Protection
• Rain Coat/Poncho
• Towel (leave in vehicle; to dry off if needed and/or protect seats from mud)
• Cooler with Ice (leave in vehicle; to preserve and transport foraged items)

Fall:

• Bug-Proof, Long-Sleeved Shirt
• Bug-Proof Face Shield/Hood
• Bite/Prick-Proof Gloves
• Tall, Sturdy Rubber Boots
• Mosquito/Tick Protection
• Rain Coat/Poncho
• Towel (leave in vehicle; to dry off if needed and/or protect seats from mud)
• Cooler with Ice (leave in vehicle; to preserve and transport foraged items)

Winter:

• Warm Layers
• Warm Gloves
• Crampons