Foraging for food may not sound appealing to a lot of people. However, for sophomore Estella Czech, the process is an adventure.
Czech became interested in outdoor activities at a young age when her father, Tim Czech, introduced her to gardening and fishing. Outdoor family vacations and her family’s garden helped her grow a love of nature.
“It’s kind of an adventure,” Estella Czech said. “My dad and I have gotten to be a lot closer because we’re doing all these things together.”
While familial bonds introduced her to foraging, her love for the activity grew on its own.
“She’s very adventurous, has a really good thirst for life and isn’t afraid to try new things,” Tim Czech said. “I would show her how to [do something,] like how to plant a seed and water it, but she would venture out a little further and try to grow [different foods, like] okra, cotton, and wheat.”
Though her family has been fishing and growing their own food since she was little, she started foraging for foods and edible plants more recently.
“A few years ago [my uncle] got me a book on foraging,” Estella Czech said. “I started reading through it, and I thought, ‘oh, I think I can probably find these plants,’ and so I began foraging.”
Because of their shared hobbies, Estella Czech and her father have spent a lot of time together. Foraging has given them lasting memories and has strengthened their bond.
“[When] you’re walking on the trail looking for wild grapes, it gives you time to talk about things,” Tim Czech said.
Estella Czech has gained a greater connection and appreciation of nature through foraging. She prefers the flavors of homegrown goods and values the process it takes to create food.
Estella Czech now sees food almost anywhere she goes.
“Even on the school grounds, I’ve seen serviceberry trees [and] wild purslane growing through the grass,” Estella Czech said. “I’ve just seen stuff everywhere.”
The hard work foraging takes is what makes it fulfilling for her.
“The whole process just makes it fun, and makes it more exciting when you have it completed,” Estella Czech said.