Hoooo Boy ..... We could really open a can of worms here. I really hope that I'm not stepping on any toes in that I'm still quite new in here.
To quote from Mr. Ritter on the home page
"The focus of Equipped To Survive™ is survival preparedness, preparing to get through a short-term emergency to return to civilization, either via rescue or by normalization of the situation as the emergency conditions cease. Survivalists and survivalism anticipate that the emergency or emergency conditions are permanent, that there will be no civilization as we know it to return to and no help or rescue--you're on your own forevermore, or at least for an extended period. The recent fiasco regarding Y2K is a classic example of this sort of thinking on a large scale."
I honestly can't think of a situation where in an urban environment I would need to resort to grazing on dandelions and day lilies. It's an interesting mental exercise, and I think people enjoy learning these kinds of things, but it may fall outside the scope of the forum.
Having said that, and going back a re-reading some of the other postings before I hit submit .... I would also have to question the legality of foraging in an urban environment. That was brought up from the perpective of helping oneself to someone elses garden. If it's part of your own property, that's one thing. Someone elses ... that's quite another.
Again, please let me say that if I am stepping on toes, PLEASE forgive me. That is in no way shape or form my intent.
LW
These are valid concerns, especially about foraging on land that isn't yours. I've been veiwing the discussions in this thread mainly from the point of view of a personal economic disaster. Dan said it best with:
Also, crisis need not be everyone's. If you are having your own economic crisis, then foraging could stretch your supplies and savings.
From that angle I think this is a perfectly good/safe discussion as long as people do not talk about illegally harvesting.
My suggestion is to wander one's area and see what is out there. Then find out to whom it belongs. Once you know that try to become friends with the person so that if the need arises you have a good shot at being allowed to "eat the weeds". Most apartment complexes have assorted landscaping plants. Talk to the manager about harvesting whatever nuts or berries that might be present. You might even be able to influence what's planted there if you are really smooth.
Public parks/nature preserves are a gray area. A number of them in my area encourage people to pick the dewberries and wild grapes though sometimes it can depend on who is in charge that day. Ask for permission and abide by their response.
Hope this clarifies stuff a little.
-Blast
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