Air quality across the state is being affected by wildfire smoke. Before heading outdoors, get information on current conditions and alerts at Michigan.gov/MiAir, and learn about the state’s response to inform and protect the public at Michigan.gov/EGLEWildfireSmoke.
Foraging for wild-grown foods is an exciting way to explore the outdoors and bring nature's bounty to the table. Learning what is permitted for harvest, what must be left in the wild to protect sensitive and rare species, and what is safe to harvest and prepare is essential information for foragers.
Many types of wild foods can be foraged from Michigan's outdoors. Some foods harvestable from public lands include mushrooms, nuts, berries and tree fruits. Some items such as whole plants or maple sap may only be harvested from private lands.
This treasured springtime treat can be found in the forest.
Gather delicious wild berries to use in your favorite recipes.
Collect firewood from mapped areas of state forest lands.
Traditional maple tapping rewards hard work with sweet syrup.
Foraging is not permitted if a plant is destroyed or damaged upon harvest, or because species are protected due to rarity. Commonly asked about plants that may not be harvested from public lands include, but are not limited to, those that follow:
Foods harvested from state lands are for personal use only, and are not for resale. The sale of mushrooms found on other lands is regulated through training and certification required by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Do not harvest from private property without landowner permission.
Improperly identified wild foods can pose serious health risks. Make sure you know how to properly identify and prepare wild foods before eating them, and do so at your own risk.
Harvesting of Christmas trees, balsam boughs and any other live trees or branches is not permitted in state forests.
National Forest Christmas tree permits are available from the Huron-Manistee, Ottawa and Hiawatha National Forests.
Visit the Michigan Christmas Tree Association for a directory of U-Pick and U-Cut farms.
