Happy Earth Day! 9 John Muir Quotes that will connect you with Nature...
Hello fellow nature lovers,
Before we get going I just want to let you know a little about Orchards Near Me, my passion project that is eating me up inside. I am on a little mission to encourage a ‘pick your own’ culture here in Europe. Back in 2013 I packed a suitcase and headed for British Columbia, not knowing how much the culture of outdoor living would have a longer-term impact on my consideration for the natural world. This organic affiliation with outdoor spaces was both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Why were the people of Canada so in tune with outdoor recreation? The climate certainly had an impact as the summer months allowed for the production of fruit varieties that would be the envy of many countries. Another factor was the close connection between the public and the farms/orchard operators.
Fast forward 10 years to 2023 and two failed start-ups to cater to those who wanted to connect with nature and food and here I am rambling about the same passion for picking fruit, wild foods and connecting with nature.
What are pick-your-own farms?
Pick-your-own farms, also known as “U-pick” or “PYO” farms, are farms where visitors can go to pick their own produce, such as fruits, vegetables, or berries, directly from the fields. These farms provide an opportunity for people to experience agriculture and learn about where their food comes from. They also offer the freshest, local ingredients and an alternative to supermarket chains that often bring in produce shipped from around the world.
Why should we cultivate a pick-your-own culture in Europe?
Pick-your-own farms typically operate seasonally, which is another reason to love them. What happened to wait until it was berry season to pick berries, holding out for Autumn to get the best chanterelles or making apple tart in September when the kids go back to school? The food we eat is undoubtedly connected with our family traditions and identity. Increased demand for a year-round supply of all foods from everywhere threatens the very enjoyment of eating, tasting, and valuing the foods we grow up alongside.
There are many positive reasons to foster a love for picking locally grown food. From building a sustainable future to supporting local businesses to eating the freshest ingredients, the list is endless. Being closer to nature is now even prescribed by doctors in South Korea, the US and Finland with 5 hours as the minimum time per month recommended by some doctors in Finland. However, the common benefit for all who engage in pick-your-own activities is the sense of community.
Grow Local, Pick Local
If you already have the GIY ‘Grow it Yourself’ bug then pick-your-own farms that offer the chance to immerse yourself in the land will be right up your street.
Locally sourced food is the freshest kind you will find. Just consider the long distances traveled by food that reaches our supermarket shelves. Better tracking of our food supply chains will help us to understand the impact the origin of food has on our natural environments.
Another reason to canvas for a pick-your-own culture is to support local farmers and food lovers. By purchasing local food you are feeding the local economy ad helping to build a sustainable future for smaller farmers.
A major reason why I chose to write about local food, foraging and fixing our supply chains is to research the impact our food consumption is having on the environments where this food is sourced. Picking local and increasing our understanding of local food availability can help to reduce our carbon footprint and prevent unnecessary long-distance transportation of food.
Where to find pick-your-own farms
Pick-your-own farms are not very established in Europe. However, there is a growing interest in the development of rural tourism and green initiatives that encourage a newfound appreciation for locally grown produce. This list is not exhaustive but it does include a few key places that have established pick-your-own activities.
Here is a list of some u-pick farms in Europe for you to explore!
Bye for now!
9 John Muir Quotes that will put you in a positive mood and make you grab your foraging basket I hope!
John Muir was an environmental philosopher, naturalist, writer, botanist and activist. Often cited as founder of the modern conservation movement.
With many of us spending more and more time online, the outdoors is becoming a luxury and studies are now proving that by connecting with nature our well being takes a more positive path. From short strolls in the woods to being fully immersed in a camping experience, nature provides the ideal environment to get a greater appreciation for our natural world and all of the wonders created by plants and species.
John Muir is a personal hero of mine. Not only was he an avid nature lover but he also lived in the moment. He always emphasised the beauty of our natural world and the power of nature to provide a sense of greater connection. He is remembered as an author, founder of the Sierra Club and for continuing to inspire others to conserve nature in all of its glory. So what did Muir say that makes us want to head out for our next hike or foraging trip? Here are a few of my favourites:
"And into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." John Muir
"Earth has no sorrow that earth can not heal" John Muir
"In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks."
"The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark."
"The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing."
"There is a love of wild nature in everybody, an ancient mother-love ever showing itself whether recognize or no, and however covered by cares and duties."
"The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness."
"I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."
"The mountains are calling and I must go."
Getting lost in the woods may feel unnerving to many but for those of us who enjoy foraging for plants, hunting for mushrooms or stumbling upon new paths for adventure, forests of the world provide a welcome place to enjoy exploring.
The healing power of nature is well recorded and Muir captures this wonderful trait in all of his works. I hope that these quotes brighten rainy days and inspire you to head for the hills. We all have times when sorrow can take over the mind and dark clouds seem to be surrounding us. With time and a little perspective from the natural world around us we can climb out of these dark times.
Nature provides, over and over again, nature provides. In all of my foraging adventures I would show people how the same plant can come back to life throughout the year in different ways. Not only are the plants around us seasonal, they are often telling us something. Nowadays, it may be that they are hurting more than they should be. Often, it is that we are lacking Vitamins of some kind at different times of the year or that we should bend lower to understand how to treat the smaller parts of the world.
Muir always articulated his love for adventure and I think most of us have this built into some part of our soul. The abundance of ways that we can travel, explore, learn and understand the wild beauty around us can be overwhelming, hence the reason for bucket-lists. What made it to your 2023 bucket list? As Muir says, the world is big, let’s be sure to explore it.