The Living Wild Project offers a way to deepen our relationship with the land we inhabit, support local biodiversity, and fundamentally shift the way we eat, garden, and heal.
At this moment in history, many Americans are part of a movement of change that spans slow food, food gardening, farmer’s markets, community-supported agriculture, knowing a food’s country of origin and miles to the shelf, carbon footprints, sustainability, organics, natural health, herbal products and complementary medicine, conservation and drought-tolerant landscaping and native plants. This movement is connected by a desire for health—both for humans and the planet. May the plants on this site help us conserve our planet’s remaining natural resources and enjoy healthier lives.
You are invited to explore, edit, or add to the content of this site, taste a new recipe, grow a native plant in your garden, or learn to make your own medicine.
The search engine is available to look up a plant by common or scientific name as well as any specific topic of interest.
The landscape section details the water, light, zone, and ideal growing conditions for each plant. It highlights the native plant species currently available within the landscape trade.
The culinary section provides step-by-step instructions on how to prepare delicious, gourmet foods using native plants. It includes appetizers, entrees, side dishes, desserts, and beverages.
Each plant is also organized by medicinal use to provide an easy way to treat common health conditions. The plant description includes which plant part to use, when to collect it, how to make the remedy, and recommended dosage. The evidence supporting the medicinal use is referenced by either indigenous expertise or scientific evidence.
Additional resources include plant habitat and collection, season of collection, and crafts.
A complete list of references is available.
In 2010, the book version of Living Wild be be available for purchase. Please contact Alicia Funk for further details.