Maria Visits the Capitol: Sustainable Foraging Task Force Update

I was honored to recently receive an invite to join a panel discussion on sustainable foraging at the Minnesota State Capitol. It's been a bit of a hot button issue as of late; in 2023, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) attempted to impose new foraging restrictions in state parks and other state-managed land. This venture failed due to grassroots organizing by a coalition of foragers, led largely by the Minnesota Mycological Society (MMS). As a result of this organizing, the state legislature passed a measure to create the Sustainable Foraging Task Force, which exists to gather data and information regarding foraging and develop recommendations for foraging guidelines.

UpdateMaria W.October 28, 2025update, newsComment

Take Action to Protect Foraging in Minnesota

Many people approach foraging with a scarcity mindset, assuming that wild foods lack in quantity and that our surrounding landscape is largely devoid of nourishment. As a forager of nearly 20 years, I know that this is not the case. Even in a small urban environment, wild foods abound around us.

Imagine my surprise when I learned about new foraging restrictions proposed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for state parks. Under this new developing rule, each forager would be limited to harvesting one gallon of fruit and mushrooms combined. (The current law states that foraging is legal for personal, non-commercial use—i.e., you can't harvest fruits and mushrooms in order to sell them.)

UpdateMaria W.September 25, 2023update, newsComment

Support Accessible Foraging Education

Maria (the founder of Four Season Foraging) here with a special announcement! I recently upgraded my membership model on Patreon! It now includes fun new benefits like access to the Four Season Foraging Discord server and a free copy of my ebook (once that is released), as well as old favorites like help with plant identification and monthly live webcasts.

This new model is more sustainable for me to maintain, but it also better reflects the interests of patrons. Most people join due to a desire to support me in my work of making foraging education as accessible as possible. Since you’re here, I trust you agree that foraging is a valuable resource. Four Season Foraging connects you to this vital skill by promoting trustworthy sources, creating informative videos and articles, and offering sliding scale classes and workshops. However, providing the quality content that you enjoy takes a lot of time and energy, and in order to make Four Season Foraging financially sustainable, I need additional assistance.

UpdateMaria W.July 18, 2023updateComment

September Statement of Solidarity

Today marks the four month date since the tragic murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Starting at that time, I pledged to make monthly donations to local groups that fight for the dignity of black lives, organize to defund the MPD, and/or work to end the racist and classist system of incarceration in the United States.

UpdateMaria W.September 25, 2020updateComment

Statement of Solidarity

Statement of Solidarity from Four Season Foraging Founder Maria Wesserle

Today marks the two month date since the tragic murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. A lot has happened in this time—a community uprising against police terror, divestments from the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), the removal of cops from Minneapolis Public Schools, the tearing down of racist and colonialist monuments, and pledges by the Minneapolis City Council to defund the police. Corporations are now even paying lip service to the movement for the defense of black lives.

UpdateMaria W.July 25, 2020updateComment

Public Statement Regarding the Murder of George Floyd

Statement from Four Season Foraging Founder Maria Wesserle on the Murder of George Floyd

Content warning: police brutality and racist violence

It has been two weeks since the tragic killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). I would first and foremost like to express my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Mr. Floyd, and to extend that sympathy to the families and loved ones of all victims of police terror and racist violence, including Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Philando Castile.

UpdateMaria W.June 8, 2020updateComment

Become a Patron of Foraging!

Hello!

This is Maria, founder of Four Season Foraging, inviting you to participate in an exciting new endeavor! I’m guessing that you love reading about wild edibles. You probably also enjoy video tutorials on collecting wild foods. You would likely want to be part of a foraging community and receive personalized tips and skills. If this rings true, read on!

UpdateMaria W.November 24, 2018updateComment

Four Season Foraging YouTube Channel

I've started a YouTube Channel! I am in the process of migrating my Vimeo videos over. I will also have some new content in the next few weeks! Please visit the channel and like, subscribe, and ring the bell for notifications. Thank you!

UpdateMaria W.July 17, 2018video, updateComment

Catnip Identification

I am migrating my videos over to YouTube! Please go like and subscribe!

UpdateMaria W.July 12, 2018identification, video, update, plantComment

Be Right Back!

Sorry for the lack of posts here! I have been super busy lately, mainly because of the approaching holiday season. I will post here sporadically as I am able, but will return to regular posts after New Year's!

Thanks,

Maria

UpdateMaria W.November 17, 2017updateComment

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