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Gathering wild-grown plants and fungi

Harvesting maple syrup.
Red maple leaves.
Harvested raspberries in a bowl.

Natural resources such as maple syrup, fiddlehead ferns and morel mushrooms contribute to Minnesota's social fabric and well-being by supporting our livelihoods and shared identities. Also known as non–timber forest products (NTFPs), wild-growing products can be harvested for food, medicine, crafts and decorative items. These products can be used personally or to generate income.

A guide for gathering

If you’re new to harvesting and gathering forest products, the Minnesota Harvester Handbook is an excellent place to start. It covers more than 20 goods beyond timber, from the familiar to the unusual. The handbook demonstrates the breadth and diversity of useful natural resources found in and around the state’s woodlands and forests, outlining by season the year-round potential for harvesting and gathering.

Getting permission to harvest on public land

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What can I forage?

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Page survey

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