the honorable harvest
Here at wild roots lodge, we aim to be good stewards and caretakers of the land. While exploring the property, feel free to graze on any edible herbs, berries, and grapes you might come across—POSITIVELY IDENTIFY THEM FIRST. If you are at all unsure, just ask, we’re happy to assist in identification. For fish caught in the river, we do ask that you catch and release as well as be mindful of fishing regulations. Absolutely no hunting allowed on wild roots lodge land, please.
what is the honorable harvest? so glad you’re curious!
The honorable harvest practices are centered on reciprocity, asking permission, taking only what is needed, minimizing harm, ensuring no waste, sharing, expressing gratitude, and sustaining the natural world.
“The guidelines for the Honorable Harvest are not written down, or even consistently spoken of as a whole—they are reinforced in small acts of daily life. But if you were to list them, they might look something like this:
Know the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you may take care of them.
Introduce yourself. Be accountable as the one who comes asking for life.
Ask permission before taking. Abide by the answer.
Never take the first. Never take the last.
Take only what you need.
Take only that which is given.
Never take more than half. Leave some for others.
Harvest in a way that minimizes harm.
Use it respectfully. Never waste what you have taken.
Share.
Give thanks for what you have been given.
Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken.
Sustain the ones who sustain you and the earth will last forever.”
—From Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer (page 183). Shared in the dharma talk “The Three Sisters and the Honorable Harvest” by Wendy Johnson.