Bike Path Foraging: Frost Grapes

Get ready to forage frost grapes! I found shrubs with frost grapes along the Cap City Trail, but am waiting till after the first frost to harvest some, when they are at their most flavorful.  

Click here for some information to help you identify frost grapes. 

A Few of My Favorite Things: Boulder, Bike, & Brew

It may be hard to imagine that I have time for obsessions other than bicycling, but if you get me started on the topic of bouldering, you might want to get comfortable - I could go on and on. Usually, I save my enthusiasm for chats with other climbing gym rats. And as far as beer goes, well, this is Wisconsin.

Boulder, Bike, & Brew is a new monthly event hosted by Boulders Climbing Gym that is a perfect mix of activities. After a bouldering session, a bike brigade heads out to a local bar for some brews - just what you'd expect. So far the event has taken participants to One Barrel Brewing Company and Argus Bar and Grill. This month's ride will be to Genna's Cocktail Lounge.

This event is a great way for the climbing-curious to try bouldering for the first time, as well as for seasoned climbers to nerd out over a beer with kindred spirits.

Check out the Boulder, Bike, & Brew Facebook page for more info and to tune into future rides.

Bike Path Foraging: Elderberries

Elderberries are ripening along the bike path! I set out to find some for an elderberry cobbler recipe and discovered a large bush along the Cap City Trail near Lake Farm County Park.

Elderberry season is late August through early September. The raw berries are astringent and should be cooked before eating. When harvesting, first remove the full berry cluster and then remove the individual berries just before using. Also, only the blue or purple berries are edible - DO NOT eat red berries!

I'm new to foraging elderberries and have never cooked with them, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I found the taste to be pleasant and they mixed well with blueberries in the cobbler.

A basic ethic of foraging is to not take any more than you need. Find a plant guide for elderberries here: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=sanic4