Naturalist Note: Growing like weeds

A wooden privacy fence is topped with Japanese honeysuckle, which is considered an invasive species./ Photo by Jerilee Bennett
A wooden privacy fence is topped with Japanese honeysuckle, which is considered an invasive species./ Photo by Jerilee Bennett

As a little girl, I used to make backyard "fruit stew" on summer days.

The ingredients included one handful of mock strawberries, the least wormy apples fallen from our tree and as many beads of nectar from individual honeysuckle blooms as I had the patience to collect. I'd mix it all together in a cereal bowl, add a splash of hose water and set it in the sun to cook.

Appetizing as that sounds, I chose not to include that recipe in my feature this month, which explores the trend of eating non-native plants and animals in an effort to control them.

The idea for the story first took root a couple years ago after a friend served me creamed kudzu. Upon research, I learned of an entire subculture dedicated to this conservation meets culinary arts movement. Known as "invasivorism," it's becoming more common across the U.S. In fact, last fall, the Tennessee Aquarium dedicated its annual sustainability dinner to chef-prepared invasive fish dishes.

Of course, as a child, I had no idea my stew was at the forefront of this movement. (To be honest, I only recently learned that apples are not native to North America.) And to be honest, again - I never even tasted my concoction. If I remembered to go back for it at all, I'd find it swimming with ants.

This month, however, I bring you tried-and-true recipes from local chefs with experience in preparing invasive species. In this issue, you'll also find a guide to experiencing nearby trail towns through the eyes of an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, as well as the story of a grueling new-to-North America endurance race.

From our backyards to our highest peaks, the natural world offers a smorgasbord of experiences. We hope that Get Out helps cultivate your appetite for adventure.

Sunny Montgomery

Get Out Digital Editor

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