Praise for
Mike Krebill and The Scout’s Guide to Wild Edibles
“With more than five decades of experience teaching wild edibles to youth, there is no person better qualified than Mike Krebill to write this book. The Scout’s Guide to Wild Edibles is a thoughtful selection of some of the best and most common wild plants and mushrooms – with fantastic photography, accurate and concise instructions, and simple, well-tested recipes. Perfect for beginning foragers of all ages.”
~ SAM THAYER, author of Nature’s Garden and The Forager’s Harvest
“This is a great book to introduce Scouts or anyone else to foraging. It covers some of the most common, widespread edible plants and mushrooms in a clear, concise manner, with photos that are as instructive as the text. I wish I had this one back when I began to learn foraging myself!”
~ “WILDMAN” STEVE BRILL, author of The Wild Vegan Cookbook
“Scouts and outdoor enthusiasts will find this well-thoughtout guide indispensable as they search for the tastiest of wild edibles in their local fields and woods. The Scout’s Guide is a must-read for the new and experienced forager alike.”
~ J.T. DABBS, III, Scout Executive, Greater Alabama Council; author of Southeastern Edibles
“With precision, humor and enthusiasm, Mike Krebill walks us through his favorite edible plants and mushrooms. Mike is a lifelong teacher; his years of experience, both in the classroom and in the field, make this book a joy to read.”
~ ELLEN ZACHOS, author of Backyard Foraging
“Our Girl Scout daycamp once had the honor of having Mike Krebill teach the girls and their leaders about edible wild plants. Mike’s approach to teaching was so engaging and relevant to them, he truly opened their eyes to a world of riches. This book is a must for Scout leaders and school libraries, as well as anyone interested in edible wild plants.”
~ ELIZABETH FOX, IB Research and Curriculum Assistant, Newport High School, Newport, OR (former Girl Scout leader, Santiam Council)
“Mike Krebill has had 50 years of experience researching, working with, and teaching about edible wild plants. He has guided thousands of students over the years. His enthusiasm and dedication have provided him with both the experience and wisdom to provide valuable content and insight to everyone with whom he shares his knowledge.”
~ JOHN KALLAS, Ph.D., Director, Wild Food Adventures, Institute for the Study of Edible Wild Plants and Other Forageables
“As a previous Girl Scout professional staff person and Trainer, I know The Scout’s Guide will be a fantastic resource for leaders, camp staff and girls. Mike’s style, developed as a Middle School Science Teacher, Nature Center director and Boy Scout leader, is well suited to making the material clear, succinct and interesting for all ages.”
~ LYNN PACE, former Girl Scout District Executive, Asheville, NC
The
SCOUT’S
Guide to Wild Edibles
The
SCOUT’S
Guide to Wild Edibles
learn how to forage, prepare & eat 40 wild foods
Mike Krebill
PITTSBURGH
The Scout’s Guide to Wild Edibles
Learn How to Forage, Prepare & Eat 40 Wild Foods
Copyright © 2016 by Mike Krebill
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.
ISBN-13: 978-1-943366-06-4
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016938556
CIP information available upon request
First Edition, 2016
St. Lynn’s Press . POB 18680 . Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412.381.9933 . www.stlynnspress.com
Book Design – Holly Rosborough • Editor – Catherine Dees
Technical Editor – Melissa Sokulski • Editorial Intern – Morgan Stout
Paper background on cover and divider pages: stockvault.net
Photo credits are listed on page 182.
Disclaimer
The author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any adverse effects occurring as a result of the suggestions or information in this book. The information is based on the author’s personal thoughts and experience, and is not intended to be the final word on identifying and consuming the plants and mushrooms described in these pages. Nor should the information be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed, trained physician or health professional. If an adverse effect should occur upon contact with any of the plants or mushrooms described in this book, seek medical attention immediately.
Printed in Canada
on certified FSC recycled paper using soy-based inks
This title and all of St. Lynn’s Press books may be purchased for educational, business or sales promotional use.
For information please write:
Special Markets Department . St. Lynn’s Press
POB 18680 . Pittsburgh, PA 15236
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Edelene Wood
This guide is dedicated to Edelene Wood, of Parkersburg, West Virginia. She was the driving force in establishing West Virginia’s Nature Wonder Weekend in the 1960s. It has drawn people from all over North America. Held at North Bend State Park on the third weekend of September, it has run continuously ever since then under the sponsorship of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. It is an enjoyable opportunity to learn from others and gain experience finding, processing, and feasting on wild foods. Edelene also lent a hand in helping create the North Carolina Wild Foods Weekend, an annual event that began over 40 years ago. Both inspired Sam Thayer to start the Midwest Wild Harvest Festival in Wisconsin in 2005. Edelene has served as president of the National Wild Foods Association ever since it was formed in 1976 to carry on the work of Euell Gibbons. The National Wild Foods Hall of Fame was created to recognize outstanding wild food educators. Through her efforts with the National Wild Foods Association, Edelene has influenced the lives of people in each of the fifty states as well as several foreign countries. Her enthusiasm is contagious.
Edelene Wood has devoted her life to promoting wild foods. She has seen them go from survival fare