Bushcraft & Wilderness Survival

These are images of some of the medicinal plants encountered in the Sedona area during our plant walks and especially as part of the Foundations of Herbal Medicine course. Three Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata) is a common member of the Pinon - Juniper zone. Its leaves are astringent due to the tannic acid. The berries have a tangy sourness to them and are high in Vitamin C. The berries can also be added to water to make a lemony flavored drink, hence the common name: Lemonade Bush.   [hr] The resin of pinon pine trees (Pinus edulis) is regionally famous […] See More

A guest blog by Arthur Haines from the Delta Institute at http://www.arthurhaines.com Rewilding Fundamentals Rewilding is a process for creating humans who can live in a healthful, truly sustainable manner, in close connection with their local landscape (i.e., as part of the wild ecology). It is a trajectory that anyone can follow, regardless of where they live. Experiencing greater health, heightened awareness, further self-reliance, and more real community does not require fully wild living (though it can mean that for some individuals). Each person has experienced some degree of domestication in modern societies. Whether or not people can observe it, […] See More

I am pleased to share a chapter from a new book written by my good friend and colleague, Tony Nester. For 20+ years, Tony has trained folks from all walks of life in outdoor survival and wilderness skills. I have had the good fortune of working with Tony for the past several years and have been continually impressed by his depth of knowledge and deep connection to nature. I hope you enjoy his latest writing on the many uses of yucca. --------------------------------------------------------- When Yucca Was King by Tony Nester Yucca, Spanish bayonet, datil, soapweed—all names for one of the most […] See More

Changing elevation in the Southwest changes temperature, precipitation levels, evaporation rates and results in dependable and predictable changes in both flora and fauna. I consider these to be 'normal' places that provide 'normal' flora. Keep in mind that even an undisturbed environment with average temperatures, water supply and sunlight for a given climate will provide many plants useful to humans. The tips in this article are for going beyond the norm by looking for those often overlooked micro-climates and micro-environments. Human Altered Environments ~By old homesteads - look for apple and other fruit trees, asparagus, comfrey, peppermint and catnip ~Pre-historic […] See More

Mindful use of resources is rarely promoted in the consumer culture in which many of us live. If our resources come from a retail store, we take as much as we want, as often as we want. Even if the objects of our desire aren’t affordable, using the all too convenient credit card allows the expense to be put off for another time. Unfortunately, this same mentality is sometimes applied to gathering herbs from nature. Too often, people assume that having the knowledge to wildcraft also gives them the right to harvest whatever, wherever and whenever they desire. Knowing the […] See More

Growing and wildcrafting the plants we use are beneficial in many ways. Simply being aware and in nature with the plant world is healing. It is the ultimate in quality control since you personally are overseeing the process from planting to picking to processing to medicine making to the actual use of the herb or food. Being involved in this process deepens our connection to nature and makes us pro-active in our own healthcare. A well trained herbalist has precious skills and knowledge that can benefit many people. These come with a responsibility; to the plants and their environment and […] See More

It is recommended to have water with you. Keep extra water in your vehicle, carry it in your pack or cache it in the back country before a longer hike. Sometimes water is available in the back country. While there are many possible sources, they are not equally reliable. This chart breaks down the preferred sources for back country hydration and rates them according to their reliability and ease of use. Best sources • Open water: lakes, rivers, ponds • Seeps and springs - this method requires local knowledge Good sources • Water markers in the desert: plants that have […] See More

This chart compares the nutritional value of common everyday weeds with some vegetables found at the grocer's. You may be surprised! Click on the chart to enlarge.   See More

Scenes from some of my hiking journeys over the years in the Sonoran Desert. A view from near Usury Mountain, on the east side of Phoenix. The saguaro, with its endless combinations of arms, is one of the plants that make this desert so special. This particular cactus is one of the largest I have seen and is truly majestic. [hr] The Superstition Mountains are part of the Transition Zone in Arizona. Just slightly above the volcanic Basin and Range of the lower desert and not yet up on top of the Mogollon Rim of the high country to the […] See More