When I started learning and teaching others about the native prairie wildflowers and other plants found in my area, I discovered two plants that stand out because of their aroma. These are ones that are readily identified by sight but are especially remembered by my students because I would pick a few leaves from the … Continue reading Wild Edible Aromatics
I took a detour on the way to work this morning to conduct a cursory check of the wild rice beds I harvest on. The swarming deer flies chased me down the bumpy tote toad leading to the back side of the flowage, and fiercely greeted me as I got out of my car in … Continue reading Wild Ricing Season Fast Approaching
We camped at the Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous this weekend. I participated in several shooting competitions with my percussion cap muzzleloader; didn't do that well but I had a load of fun and my shooting improved over time. I took second place in the Women's Hawk Walk, which consisted in ten throws at … Continue reading Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous
On my morning bike ride yesterday, I happened upon a patch of yellow wildflowers that I had not yet observed this summer; Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa ssp. speciosa var. speciosa). I returned to the patch on the way to work to snap a few pictures. The appearance of the first blooming goldenrod mean that the … Continue reading Time Marches On…
Largemouth Bass have long been considered a prized catch for sport anglers, growing to a large size and putting up a good hearty fight when hooked. Millions of dollars are spent each year on specialized equipment to help seek the fish out and on fishing tournaments specifically geared to Largemouths. I have never been one … Continue reading Largemouth Bass: Keeping the Small Ones
The weather this summer has made for weird and confusing timing for the wild harvest in Northwest Wisconsin. Normally, we would have started picking blueberries on the barrens a week or so ago, but in my neck of the woods they are just beginning to ripen. I have not found any ripe ones yet, but … Continue reading Wild Harvest Season: Unusual Timing
I obtained a really tasty 4-year-old sourdough starter from a friend a year ago that has been festering and bubbling on and off in a 1/2 gallon jar stored in the door of my refrigerator. In honor of it's 1 year anniversary in my house and it's 5th birthday (give or take a few months, … Continue reading Wild Rice Sourdough Bread
