WILD EDIBLE AND MEDICINAL FOODS FLOAT TRIP

Join Wyo Rivers Co-op and Wyoming River Trips on a 5 hour journey with Ethnobotanist John Mionczynski and Benjamin Scott-Clark of American Wilderness Botanicals.

We will travel by river and on foot exploring the intersection of plants, human history and insect life on the North Fork of the Shoshone.

We will be floating a fairly short section of the river in paddle rafts and oar frames, stopping to hike around through various lifezones, find and discuss plants and insects. The trip aims to help participants learn to identify the edible and medicinal plants of the area, their historical uses and known limitations.

All Participants must be able to easily get in and out of a rubber boat on uneven terrain and posess the fitness required to hike and stand for up to 2 hours at a time. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. By choosing to participate you acknowledge that you have read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page and agree

John Mionczynski has worked in the Wyoming back country for 50 years as a wildlife biologist, technician, and outfitter, always supplementing his diet with wild foods, mostly plants. He has taught ethnobotany and edible/medicinal plant classes for The Teton Science School, Central Wyoming College, National Outdoor Leadership School, Earthknack, American Wilderness Botanicals, and the Family Practice Residency Program for medical professionals through the University of Wyoming Currently he functions as an ethnobotanist for the group, “Restoring Shoshone Ancestral Food Gathering” on the Wind River Indian Reservation and continues to lead Natural History tours in the Red Desert and Wind River Mountain foothills. He is also co-founder of The Native Memory Project which produces archival video footage of tribal elders and other native people in the west speaking of pre-reservation life ways, ancient foods, and other knowledge in danger of being lost to time.

Benjamin Scott-Clark (owner and founder of American Wilderness Botanicals) was born and raised in the town of Wilson, Wyoming in the beautiful valley of Jackson Hole. his father’s family has been in the Jackson Hole valley since his great grandparents settled the old Elk Ranch (now part of Grand Teton National Park) in the early 1900s. His mother awakened his love for the beautiful botanicals of the valley when he was a child. It is his mission to bring people closer to the healing power of the American Wilderness. That power rests in the botanical heritage that was enjoyed by Native Americans for thousands of years. The indigenous people of North America were one with the indigenous botanicals of this vast country for ages. They understood plant language, and used these incredible plants in every aspect of their lives.

Please note that we have limited space. If you want to bring a personal dry bag for your notebook and an extra layer, please keep it small. Willingness to share with others is appreciated. Dry bags and waterproof phone cases are available in our office for purchase pre-trip as well.

• Disclaimer:
  • The information provided on this website, in person and on social media is designed to inspire and educate readers on the traditional and modern uses of plants. We do not encourage participants to ingest any wild plant. Any plants encountered and discussed on this trip are meant for educational purposes only.
  • Wyoming Rivers Co-op, Wyoming River Trips, John Mionczynski and Benjamin Scott-Clark are not liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from consuming or using wild food based on the information, a participant hears or sees including accuracy and availability. Participants consume wild food at their own risk.
• Medical advice
  • The information presented here and on this trip is not a substitute for professional or medical advice. For your safety, it’s best to consult with qualified experts before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the content provided here or discussed on the trip.
  • If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription drugs, have a medical condition, or an allergy, please consult a medical practitioner or herbalist before using or ingesting any of the plants encountered or discussed on this float trip. Take precautions to ensure that the plants you choose are safe and suitable for your specific needs.
• Proper Identification
  • Proper identification is crucial when foraging for wild food. Cross-reference multiple reliable sources and double-check for positive identification before consuming any wild food. If you’re unsure about what you’ve found, it’s best to err on the side of caution and do not eat it. Always prioritize your safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable foraging experience.
  • Risk assessment
  • Foraging for wild food always carries a risk, as some plants and mushrooms can be deadly poisonous. When in doubt about the identity or safety of a plant or mushroom, do not consume it.
  • Exercise caution and proper preparation. To reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, consider foraging with a knowledgeable companion. Keep samples of any wild food you collect to identify them later, in case of an adverse reaction. Always start with a small amount when trying new wild food and wait for any adverse reactions.
  • Adverse reactions
  • Recognize that everyone’s body reacts differently to different types of food. Some people may have adverse reactions or sensitivities to certain plants or plant foods, including wild plants and mushrooms.
• Basic hygiene
  • Avoid picking from contaminated areas like high-traffic roads, industrial estates, and dog-walking areas. Watch out for pesticides, pollution, and animal urine. Thoroughly wash your foraged food with water and vinegar before eating to minimize the risk of consuming harmful substances.
• Foraging sustainability
  • The plants and fungi you harvest play an essential role in the ecosystem. To protect wildlife and ensure future growth, be sure to leave enough flowers and fruit behind and allow plenty of seeds to remain for the next year. Never pick a large amount of fungi for ID purposes only, as this can be a wasteful and unsustainable practice. Always leave nature as you found.
  • If you are participating in this float, you agree to follow the protocols above, to participate at your own risk, that you have taken the necessary personal precautions to participate.