I have been watching the economic and world events while listening to some talk radio show hosts. Needless to say, throw the last ingredient in and I get hopelessly depressed. However, sometimes things make just too much sense. As I ponder on what I see and hear, I prepare myself mentally for the possibility of different scenarios. One such scenario is a social meltdown where modern conveniences such as grocery stores, electricity, and running water is scarce to non-existent. Sure, there are those that laugh and ridicule, but personally I don't like the idea of being caught unprepared not only for my own well being, but for those around me.
Since moving to Kentucky, my love of the "great outdoors" has been given opportunities to grow and flourish. With the available acreage of forests around the places that I have lived, I have been able to pursue the development of the basics of several different wilderness skills, some of which my father had begun to teach me when I would listen. These range from hunting and tracking to identifying edible plants to basic building skills. Regretfully, far too often I have been distracted from the wilds of the forest and the wisdom that is held within the walls of the trees and rocks.
For some time I have been wondering if I should share by small knowledge with others who would listen. I have even spoken with my spiritual directer on occasion to determine how to be most responsible with this knowledge. With the advent of a recent situation of having the privilege of teaching two volunteers I work with about some edible plants, I decided that it would be beneficial to share a little with the broader world.
There are several disclaimers that I must state before proceeding, however.
First, it must be said to ALWAYS respect the natural world and its resources. When harvesting, never horde the resources by taking too much for oneself. To do so will not only cause others to not have their needs met, but will eventually diminish and terminate all sources. Realize that to gorge one's self today means to die tomorrow.
Secondly, be cautious of amounts of anything consumed. Some things within the forest are safe to be eaten in moderation, but in abundance would have disastrous effects. With this, some things may be toxic if eaten green, but will be safe if the state is altered by boiling and/or cooking. I will be listing a few common "weeds" that are fairly safe and abundant. However, BEFORE undertaking this knowledge DO YOUR RESEARCH! The plants and techniques I will list have been researched and proven, but play it safe.
Thirdly, While species preservation is a goal, the most useful knowledge is how to keep a "level head". While one may have sufficient "textbook" knowledge, once the pressures of hunger begin to arise the mind can begin to cause much fear. Fear is the forerunner of death. Often times a factor that produces fear is the desire for conveniences and comfort that one knew before being in a "survival" situation. Fasting is a productive way of preparation. If the body and mind are used to being deprived of comforts on a regular basis, then it would not be overloaded when a "real" situation arises. With fasting must come prayer because it is inseparable from humility and humility is an acknowledgement of dependance upon the One with whom is the interaction in prayer.
Fourthly and not in the least, even though people may survive and come to know better times, we all die eventually. Some do not like to face it nor even talk about it, but it is a fact that cannot be avoided. Desperation for survival can lead one to hysteria and will bring the end even quicker. Having peace with the thought of death sets the proper disposition, however, to face death, one must have no fear of what is beyond. This absence of fear comes from knowing when one is released from the bounds of the flesh, the spirit will travel toward its source with no hindrance or shame. Preparation for that should come in times where one is able to do so: as in now. "Today is the day of salvation".
Now for the basics:
Know that there is nothing in the forest that tastes like pizza, or vanilla ice cream, or mom's spaghetti. Some raw greens at best are less bitter. The best options as far as taste are the fruits such as blackberries, but they are not as abundant and more often than not one would have to contend with the birds that also like them.
Also, avoid gathering plants from roadways and other areas where there is potential for pollution. Hunger may become the least of the worries if this is not avoided.
The plants I am listing are abundant in wastes such as excavated land and yards. Most regrow fairly quickly.
Plantain: high in vitamins. Can also be made into a poultice to put on minor wounds.

Narrow Leaf Plantain:

Clover: Both red and white are edible and nutritious.

Creeping sorrel: taste of green apples. Careful with this one as it is known to inhibit calcium absorption. Also known as Sweet Clover.

Polk: MUST be cooked first. Raw greens are toxic. I wouldn't eat the berries.

Wild onion: not as large as its domestic counterpart

Mullien: Another plant that is controversial over toxicity. Small doses made into a tea is good for colds.

Gathering water:
FIRST! Water is precious to all life. Keeping this in mind, it is possible to draw water from plants, but REMEMBER that the plant life needs it as well. In order to extract water from plant life, it will kill the plant. Kill too many and not only will the plants become extinct, so will all else that needs the water!
To extract the water, place plants in a clear plastic bag and leave out in the sun. Be very careful of which plants used. Poison Ivy is a good example of one that should be left alone.
These only scratch the surface of the basics. There are many other essentials such as sanitation and shelter that is readily available on the web and in books.
Some will call me paranoid. I prefer to call myself prepared. It is important to remember not to just do this for self preservation for what good is it if the community does not survive? Weaker members of the community such as the elderly and the sick may be reliant upon such knowledge.
Remember that hope is to never be forsaken.