Exploring the World of Foraging
An Interview with Tim Clemens
​​Foraging isn’t just about wandering through dense forests or untouched wilderness in search of food; it’s a practice that can thrive in the heart of urban environments.
In a recent episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara sat down with Tim Clemens, a professional forager and the founder of Ironwood Foraging, to explore the fascinating world of foraging in the Twin Cities and beyond.
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Clemens shares insights into how foraging connects us to nature, the ethics and regulations surrounding the practice, and how anyone can start discovering the natural food sources growing right in their backyard.
Key Takeaways
1. Urban foraging reveals that you don’t have to venture far to find edible plants, berries, and mushrooms—even city parks and residential areas hold a wealth of wild food.
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2. Foraging requires a deep understanding of plant species and safety, as certain foods can be harmful if misidentified.
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3. The resurgence of foraging highlights a growing desire to reconnect with nature and food in a more sustainable and hands-on way.
Unveiling the World of Urban Foraging
Tim Clemens is no stranger to wild foods. From childhood experiences of discovering gooseberry bushes in South Minneapolis to honing his skills through traditional Indigenous knowledge while studying at the University of Minnesota, Clemens' foraging journey is deeply rooted in both urban and rural landscapes.
In his conversation with Lindala and Waara, Clemens highlights the surprising abundance of edible plants found in the shadows of skyscrapers and suburban parks. Whether it’s dandelions, clover, or Kentucky coffeetree pods, Clemens emphasizes that urban environments are rich with natural resources—if you know where to look.
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In fact, urban foraging brings a unique twist to the practice: it turns an ordinary city park into a personal blueberry patch or a space for finding native fruits. "When you're a forager, suddenly it’s your asparagus patch. Maybe you go somewhere and it’s your blueberry patch. And it’s not just a backdrop for human activity anymore," Clemens shares, explaining how foraging leads to a deeper connection with the natural world, even in metropolitan settings.
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Safety and Sustainability in Foraging
Foraging isn’t as simple as picking the first berry you see. As Clemens explains, the key to successful—and safe—urban foraging is knowledge. “You need to identify the species you’re trying to eat before you eat it,” Clemens advises, noting that there are many plants, berries, and mushrooms that could cause harm if misidentified.
While Clemens recalls his own early experiences getting lucky with edible finds, he underscores the importance of education, seeking out experts, and knowing the specific regulations that apply to foraging on public lands. In Minnesota, for instance, foraging certain plants is allowed on state land, but there are limits depending on the location.
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Tim’s expertise in foraging even extends into his role as a consultant for the Minnesota Poison Control System, where he helps identify potentially harmful plants or mushrooms that may have been ingested. For those eager to learn, Clemens offers hands-on classes that teach the fundamentals of foraging, from plant identification to cooking with wild ingredients.
His dedication to spreading knowledge about foraging, especially in urban areas, makes it accessible to anyone, from beginners to seasoned nature enthusiasts.
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Learn more about foraging and local workshops through the Ironwood Foraging website or organizations like the Minnesota Mycological Society.
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Reconnecting with Nature in a Modern World
One of the most profound aspects of Tim Clemens' conversation is the idea that foraging helps us reconnect with nature in ways modern society often neglects. “I feel like we’ve never been less connected to plants and mushrooms and basically everything outside,” Clemens observes, pointing out how modern technology and fast-paced lifestyles have distanced many from the natural world. Foraging, he suggests, is a way to reclaim that lost connection. It offers not only a sustainable way to gather food but also a therapeutic experience, encouraging people to slow down and appreciate their surroundings.
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This philosophy is reflected in Clemens’ personal foraging habits. He shares, “I don’t buy fruit. I don’t buy greens. I don’t buy mushrooms, and I don’t buy nuts.” Preferring instead to gather them himself from the abundant natural resources around him, Clemens finds that the food he forages is fresher, tastier, and more rewarding than anything found in stores.
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Foraging on the Great Lakes: Beyond the City
While much of Clemens' work is focused on urban environments, he also talks about the wealth of foraging opportunities around the Great Lakes region. From harvesting mountain ash berries in Grand Marais to gathering highbush cranberries in Superior, Wisconsin, the shores of Lake Superior provide ample opportunities for foraging enthusiasts. Clemens highlights some of his favorite finds, including the use of wild ingredients like habanero and highbush cranberries to create unique seasonal dishes.
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For those with a passion for food and nature, Clemens suggests that foraging is a practice that can be done anywhere, whether in your local park or while exploring the wild areas surrounding Lake Superior. His work through Ironwood Foraging continues to teach others about the natural world, helping people see the abundance of food around them.
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Conclusion
Tim Clemens’ exploration into foraging is more than just a way to find wild foods—it’s a gateway to rediscovering a relationship with nature, wherever you may live. Whether in the heart of a city or on the shores of Lake Superior, foraging offers a way to slow down, connect, and eat sustainably. As Clemens reminds us, “When people know better, they do better,” and foraging is a way to not only improve personal health but also contribute to the care and preservation of our natural environment.
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Listen to the full episode of the Lake Superior Podcast for an in-depth conversation with Tim Clemens and discover how foraging can transform the way you see your surroundings, whether you live in an urban jungle or a lakeside retreat.
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Interested in sustainability?
Learn about NPLSF’s Decarbonize the Parks initiative here.
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