Foraging

What is foraging?

Foraging means collecting wild resources such as plants, fungi, nuts, and berries. Centuries ago to today, people practice foraging as a way to get food and find medicine. Foraging remains a valuable practice across cultures to connect with nature and be self-sufficient.

Washington County Parks Ordinance #218 (PDF)

All foraging activities must conform to Parks Ordinance #218, Chapter V, Section 1 – Natural Resources (PDF) on page 17:

“It shall be unlawful for any person to forage or gather flora without a use permit, including but not limited to fungi, berries, nuts, seeds, and oil. Foraging activities must be for personal use and in designated areas.”

Apply for a foraging permit

If you are interested in foraging in Washington County Parks, you will need to apply for a free foraging permit.

• Permit is free.
• Available annually April through October during normal park hours (6 a.m. - 10 p.m.).
• Apply online or in-person at a park office.
• Applicants must apply every year.

Where you can forage

Each park has specific foraging areas. These designated areas help protect nature and keep people safe. Some parts of the parks are off-limits because of land restoration or maintenance activities like mowing, spraying, or controlled burns. These may change from year to year. Check the latest foraging area map before you go.

• Lake Elmo Park Reserve: Designated areas include parkland east of the main entrance road to Lake Elmo and the park boundary, and south of the Nordic Center to the park boundary. The one excluded area is a farm field. See image of LEPR map (JPG).
• Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park: Designated foraging areas include parkland south of the main entrance road, then east of the of Ravine Landing building and parking lot to the park boundary. The natural area between the playground and kayak launch is also included. See image of CGRRP map (JPG).
• Pine Point Regional Park: Everything north of the Gateway State Trail is a designated foraging area. See image of PPRP map (JPG).
• St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park: Designated foraging areas include parkland south of the main entrance road and boat launch to the park boundary. See image of SCBRP map (JPG).
• Square Lake Park: The whole park is open to foraging. See image of SLP map (JPG).

Where you cannot forage

• Big Marine Park Reserve: No foraging is permitted at this time due to upcoming projects and plant surveys.
• Long Lake Conservation Area: No foraging is permitted at this time.

Safety reminder

Be aware of tick exposure while foraging. Read more about ticks.