WHAT IS WILDCRAFTING?
Wildcrafting, also known as foraging, is the practice of gathering plants from their natural environment for food or medicinal use. It encompasses uncultivated plants found in various settings, not just remote wilderness areas, but in meadows, nearby forests, along coastlines, and even in our own backyards.
Wildcrafting to some however, including us, is more than just a practice—it’s an experience. It offers a brief but profound connection to nature while providing a break from the modern world. It’s a grounding moment where, if you let it, your mind becomes immersed in the natural surroundings—the rustling leaves, the hum of insects, the calls of birds, the scent of the earth, and the golden sunlight filtering through the trees.
BRIGHT GATHER WILDCRAFTING
The name Bright Gather reflects a deep connection to both the nature we came from and the nature we choose to embrace. In the Old World, bright referred to a sunlit clearing—an open space where light pierced through the dense, ancient forests of Europe, such as the Böhmerwald and Schwarzwald. Gather signified a place where water pooled, likely forming a pond or small lake. Over time, as water ebbed and flowed, life flourished, transforming the area into a thriving meadow filled with new plant life and vitality.
It is with this in mind, that wildcrafting makes sense. It is both a way of finding excellent foods and medicinal plants of high quality, while reconnecting with your past.
HARVESTING REALITY VS WILDCRAFT IDEALISM
Most operations don’t rely solely on wildcrafting. At a certain point, cultivating, propagating, and harvesting herbs becomes a practical choice, often ensuring a more reliable and consistent yield. Harvesting can be a repetitive yet essential task—row after row, field after field. While wildcrafting also has its familiar rhythms, returning to the same trusted spots, it often brings unexpected moments. Whether it’s a new bird or animal crossing my path or the discovery of a plant that has recently made its home there, nature always finds a way to surprise me.
The long winter months limit opportunities for foraging and harvesting, making it essential to gather, dry, and store what’s available in late summer and early fall. Yet, nature always offers surprises—yarrow emerging through the snow, or rosehips and cranberries still hanging on their branches. Though not at their peak quality, they still hold value and can be put to good use for personal consumption.
HOW TO WILDCRAFT
Step Into Nature - There’s a unique thrill in stepping into nature. Depending on your location, the season, or even the time of day, that excitement can sometimes be mixed with a bit of caution. Local wildlife—whether it’s a foraging moose or a wandering bear—also shares the landscape, and encounters can happen. As always, it’s wise to take necessary precautions while exploring the wild.
Identify - Plant identification, developed through learning via books, workshops, videos and from mentors, is essential. It's important to note that many toxic plants can resemble good plants so patience is crucial.
Gather Ethically - Wild plants and trees should be treated with care and respect. Sustainable foraging is essential to preserving nature’s delicate balance. Just as scattering seeds in a field means some will thrive, some will be eaten, and others will never sprout, foraging follows the same principle. Leave enough for wildlife, allow some to naturally reseed or nourish other creatures, and always tread lightly—protecting the very source that graciously offers food and medicine.
Enjoy The Process - Wildcrafting is a joy. Consider making it a family activity. It becomes a shared learning experience and a chance to bond in nature. The memory of harvesting chokecherries on a warm summer day with my daughter is forever etched in my mind—an unforgettable moment of happiness and connection to the natural world.
WILDCRAFTED PRODUCTS
Many of our products feature wildcrafted ingredients. Over time, we have gathered—and continue to gather—plants such as wild raspberry leaf, stinging nettle, yarrow, goldenrod, prairie sage, wild rose leaves and hips, currants, berries, and more. Many of our bulk herbs are wildcrafted, including Yarrow, Plantain, Goldenrod, and Prairie Sage. A good portion of our product line contains many wildcrafted ingredients, such as our White Sage and Yarrow Salve and Wild Rose Bath Bombs.
No matter whether you wildcraft or support those who do, we hope that it provides meaning and connection to you. Happy foraging!
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