Survival!

         We are constantly planning our trips around weather, especially this spring, when saturated ground and a quick thunderstorm could leave us stranded in the forest.  We also don’t like to “rut up” forest roads… one of the reasons we keep seeing roads being closed to the public!

         But there are lessons to learn about survival in the forest, and I spend a little time with young people visiting our claims to inform them of the wonders of the forest and a few survival techniques if they are ever stranded.

         I truly believe Mother Nature has provided for everything, but it takes a knowledge of the land to make use of those resources.

         First a disclaimer!  I am not a professional and I do not recommend indiscriminately taking anyone’s advice without doing your own research and/or consulting a professional.  I learned much of this as a child, from parents who respected nature and its gifts.  I truly wish I had been able to get to know my grandmother, who died when I was 10 years old, because she served as the local midwife and country doctor to many in her days on the prairie.

         We had a nice day on Father’s Day with some friends and family gathering at our claim.  My grandchildren and a friend were having a good time “fishing” and building dams.  I took the opportunity to show them some “old man’s beard” or “tree moss” – edible and high in vitamin C.  It also has antibiotic qualities and can be used to dress a wound if other resources are not available.

Wikipedia states, “Native Americans employed it as a compress to severe battle wounds to prevent infection and gangrene, and it was also taken internally to fight infections.”  Amazing what you find if you’re looking!

         A commonly overlooked food source is dandelion greens.  Wikipedia declares,  “dandelion leaves contain abundant vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C and K, and are good sources of calcium, potassium, iron and manganese,” then continues with medicinal uses: “Dandelion is used as folk remedies in North America, Mexico and China. Culturally, it was used to treat infections, bile and liver problems, as well as cancers, and as a diuretic.”  There’s an additional precaution here that reinforces my previous disclaimer – allergies exist to any plant, so it would only be logical to avoid any plant family you might have an allergic reaction toward!

         I have been known also, to chew up the seeds of a stinging nettle plant when overcome by a pollen allergy far from home.  Nettles are also good for arthritic joints, but they do sting!

         Several varieties of tubers exist in the Black Hills, which could make a nutritious soup in a pinch!  As kids on the prairie, we would dig up and eat what was commonly called “Indian turnip.”  It was fibrous and tough, but satisfied hunger, and what kid isn’t hungry all the time! 

         Several years ago I had an infection set into the optic nerve of one eye. Extensive testing resulted in a recommendation to take an aspirin a day to improve circulation! I jokingly asked the doctor if I could just chew on some willow bark each day… he asked for an explanation. I told him that willow bark is the natural “aspirin” of the plant world. He didn’t know that, but I bet he looked it up because he was very interested!

         We see the Sego lilly in bloom, which has a nut-sized bulb claimed to be sweet and nutritious!

         The morel mushroom season is over, but is another source of nutrition found in the Black Hills.

         A strong word of precaution to all – drinking stream water is never a good idea!  There is a lot of livestock grazing in the Black Hills, and a variety of natural minerals in each stream.  Bring plenty of water from a reliable water source.

         We also see (pointed out by a friend a week or so past) that poison ivy is already quite tall.  Most people wonder why I wear jeans year around… there’s one of several answers to that question!

         The wild iris, a beautifully delicate native of the Black Hills now in bloom, is considered poisonous.

         One last thought if you were forced to survive under extreme circumstances.  Small pieces from a pitch stump are a good fire source, whether for warmth or emergency signal.  Fires are not allowed in the national forest unless in an approved fire pit, so don’t “play with fire” unless it is an emergency!

         So the sun is shining… I think we’re off to the woods -- have a wonderful day!