Photos by BLM

A look at edible plants on public land

Forget about St. Patrick’s Day – March is for celery! And at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), we can’t let the month go by without a nod to its most esteemed vegetable. 

For decades, people have used public lands in the harvest of fish and game, seeds, berries, mushrooms, tree nuts, roots and other wild plants for food and medicine. Did you know that Indian celery (Lomatium nudicaule) is one of the more widespread wild edibles in western North America? Hurrah for celery! And we have it right here in Harney County. 

Indian celery is a native perennial, known to exist in several habitat types, including forest and woodland; dry, open grassland; and even rocky, mountain slopes. It’s a flowering plant in the carrot family, also commonly referred to as bare stem biscuitroot, wild celery, Indian consumption plant, and celery wane kama (Wadatika Paiute). 

“This plant typically blooms in May with light yellow flowers and green or green-blue oval and spade shaped leaflets,” said BLM Burns District Botanist, Lisa Foster. “This is different than the more fern-like leaves of other Lomatium species in the area.”

Indian celery stems are collected and usually eaten fresh or enjoyed in soups and stews. Its seeds, flower buds, leaves and roots are also edible, but used less than stalks and shoots. 

Public lands support many other wild plants that are also safe for consumption. Aside from obvious fruits and certain mushrooms like morels, you can find edible weeds like chickweed, dandelion, clover, cattail, and wild mustard. You might also enjoy bitterroot, mint, giant wild rye, balsamroot, golden currant, and rose hips. Bulbs or tubers from wild onions, desert parsley, and Mariposa Lily are also popular.

“Before you venture into foraging, study what and where to collect,” said Foster. “Know local land-use regulations. Refer to local plant guides. Start searching close to home and question before digestion. There are a number of poisonous plants that live in the same habitats. You can never be too careful!”

It’s also extremely important to collect sustainably. “When it comes to harvesting, whatever you do should not impact the long-term presence and reproduction of healthy plants, nor the overall health of the landscape,” said Foster. “These resources are finite. They could run out someday if we aren’t careful and deliberate.”

Not sure how to harvest sustainably? Ask BLM botanists or archaeologists, or – better yet – talk to local Indigenous people. Indigenous harvesting protocols have evolved over thousands of years of lived experience with the landscape. Native plants still play an important role in many traditional indigenous cultural practices. 

On BLM-managed public lands, collecting edibles for personal use is allowed in areas not under special protection. In general, you may harvest small, reasonable amounts of flowers, berries, nuts, seeds, cones, and other plant parts for non-commercial purposes. You can only forage things that are common, not endangered, threatened or rare. Collection of some vegetative materials and anything used for commercial purposes, or a source of income, requires a Special Forest Products permit. 

Did you know March is also Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month? We can’t help you with that, but how about adopting a wild horse? Either way, learn about local edible plants and eat some celery! Ants on a log, anyone?

For more information, call the BLM at (541) 573-4400.

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for a fun, outgoing person to volunteer host at Chickahominy Reservoir Campground in eastern Oregon. If you’re interested in spending the next few months outdoors, meeting new people, and being paid to camp, take this opportunity to apply. 

“Volunteer hosts are an important part of our ability to connect with public land users,” said Kyle Wanner, BLM Assistant Field Manager. “They answer questions from the public, pay attention to happenings in the area and keep the BLM up to date on site conditions.”

Man-made Chickahominy Reservoir is one of eastern Oregon’s most popular fishing spots. It was first stocked with rainbow trout in 1967 and still receives fingerlings and legal-size fish once or twice a year. The area is bordered by foothills, distant buttes, and rough ridges – a landscape that provides far-reaching views of the open High Desert country. Chickahominy Reservoir Campground has 28 dry campsites, a fish cleaning station, drinking water, vault restrooms and a boat ramp.

For hosts, the BLM provides a dedicated camp site, electrical and water hook-ups, garbage service, a wastewater dumping station, and a minimal monthly subsistence per individual or as a couple. Hosts generally work weekends and holidays with the option of two mid-week days off. Duties include greeting visitors, routine facility checks, basic maintenance, and keeping an overall helpful and available presence on site. Hosts must be at least 18 years old, have a trailer, camper, or motor home, and be willing to volunteer for at least three consecutive months beginning as soon as possible. A second, shorter hosting opportunity may be available in the fall.  

Outdoor recreation and leisure activities are a major part of the American lifestyle, and a definite contributor to the quality of life, health, and economy for thousands of rural communities. Your public lands play a lead role in providing these benefits, making recreation and visitor services a top priority for the BLM. 

To inquire about or apply for a position, email the BLM Burns District office at blm_or_bu_mail@blm.gov. A phone interview, Federal background check, and electronic banking information may be required for this position.