Wild foragers’ love affair with the morel mushroom may be over until next year, but nature’s goodness is still out there for the gathering.

There is one wild edible growing in abundance, is readily available, and it is guaranteed no one will challenge you or try to run you out of your “hot spot.”

I’m talking about the bull nettle.

You should remember it as a kid… it was the unsuspecting weed you rubbed up against setting your skin on fire! The only way to stop the burning was to flush the area with water. The plants leaves and stems are covered in ultra-fine barbs which pierce the skin and cause an intense burning sensation.

The well-kept secret is the plant makes excellent greens but must be boiled prior to consumption.

When gathering the plants, pick only the stems and leaves from the youngest plants or just the tops of mature plants. Gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and heavy pants are a must when gathering nettles.

After picking, rinse the greens to remove any dirt or insects. Then cook the greens by boiling before adding to soups, or just adding bits of smoked bacon and onion to make excellent greens.

As with any wild food you have never tried, start with just a little at first to make sure you don’t have an allergy.

Make sure the nettles are thoroughly cooked. I boil and drain mine a couple of times before adding the smoked bacon and onion.

 

Monon South Trail segments open

On June 20, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Radius Indiana celebrated the opening of two segments of the Monon South Trail.

The trail segment in Campbellsburg and Saltillo totals 3.53 miles, with 0.59 miles asphalt pavement and 2.94 miles of crushed stone surface. In New Pekin, 1.39 miles of asphalt pavement and 3.9 miles of crushed stone surface were opened for a total of 5.29 miles.

“With the completion of Phase 1A of the Monon South Trail, Hoosiers living across this region of southern Indiana gain an incredible new connection to the outdoors, neighboring communities, and to one another,” said Maddy Conner, DNR chief of staff. “DNR was proud to support the acquisition of this rails-to-trails corridor and the first phase of trail construction of the Monon South, which will eventually become Indiana’s longest recreational trail.”

Together with previous openings in Mitchell, Orleans, Borden and Salem, the Monon South Trail now has 20 miles of trail open to the public. The recent openings complete Phase 1A of construction on the Monon South corridor by Radius Indiana.

With dedicated state funding support, Indiana’s DNR purchased the 62.3-mile Monon South corridor on behalf of New Albany and Radius Indiana for the combined sum of $5.5 million. DNR granted Radius an additional $22.3 million to support Phase 1A development, offering Hoosiers and visitors more than 20 miles of hard-surface trail along the historic former Monon Railroad rail line.

 

Off-road accident claims the life of Madison woman

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal off-road vehicle (ORV) accident occurring on June 21 in the Hanover area.

At 9:30 p.m., responders were dispatched to the 5200 block of South River Bottom Road. Upon arrival, an officer determined Charles Howell, 75, of Hanover, was operating the ORV with three passengers when they ran off the road, causing the ORV to roll multiple times down a hill.

Charles Howell and Jacquelyn Howell, 74, of Hanover were flown to the University of Louisville Hospital in serious condition. Donald McAlister, 55, of Madison, was transported to King’s Daughters Hospital with minor injuries. Paula McAlister, 56, of Madison, was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy was scheduled to determine the cause of death.

The incident is under investigation. Alcohol is not suspected of contributing to the accident, but a toxicology test has been requested. None of the occupants were wearing a seatbelt or helmet at the time of the accident.

 

Body recovered from West Boggs Lake

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after recovering the body of a man from West Boggs Lake on June 21.

At 6:55 p.m., conservation officers were dispatched to the area for a person going under water and not resurfacing.

Indiana Conservation Officer divers arrived on scene and recovered the body of Mitchell L. Worland, 33, of Washington, at approximately 9:25 p.m.

Indiana Conservation Officers remind the public to always wear a life jacket when on or around the water.

 

‘till next time, 

Jack

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com

Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.