How We Wildcraft: Our Approach to Ethical Foraging in Colorado

At Byers Ranch Apothecary, every product begins with respect — for the land, the plants, and the cycles that sustain us. Our ingredients aren't just chosen for their botanical benefits; many are hand-harvested through a process known as wildcrafting — a traditional practice of foraging for medicinal and nourishing plants in their natural habitat. But not all wildcrafting is created equal. Here's how we do it — and why it matters.

What Is Wildcrafting?

Wildcrafting, also known as wild foraging, is the mindful gathering of wild plants from their native environment. It’s a deeply rooted tradition practiced for centuries by herbalists, healers, and indigenous cultures around the world.

For us, it’s a way of life — not just something we do for our skincare and herbal remedies, but a rhythm that extends into our kitchen and daily routines. From tinctures and salves to teas, syrups, and wild greens on our dinner table, wildcrafting connects us to the land in both practical and deeply nourishing ways. It ensures the products you use are infused with more than just plant power — they're infused with place, purpose, and reciprocity.

Our Ethical Foraging Principles

We’re committed to wildcrafting in a way that’s regenerative, respectful, and sustainable. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Know Your Plants

We only harvest what we can confidently identify — not just the species, but its ecological role and growth cycle. Misidentification can be dangerous, and harvesting the wrong plant at the wrong time can do long-term harm to ecosystems. Furthermore, harvesting the wrong plant isn’t just a beginner’s mistake — it can have serious, even deadly consequences.

Many wild medicinals have toxic look-alikes or close relatives. A small error in judgment can lead to harmful effects on your health, or worse. That’s why deep botanical knowledge — not just casual familiarity — is essential to responsible wildcrafting.

One example we often share is the tomato plant. Nearly everyone knows and loves the fruit, but what many don’t realize is that the tomato is part of the nightshade family — a group that includes some of the most poisonous plants in the world. In fact, every part of the tomato plant except the ripe fruit is toxic to humans if consumed in quantity. Its relatives include deadly plants like belladonna and henbane, which look surprisingly similar to edible or medicinal species.

This is why we approach wildcrafting with humility, patience, and caution — always learning, always verifying. We never guess, and we never harvest unless we’re absolutely certain.

2. Harvest Sparingly

We follow the “one in twenty” rule: for every plant we harvest, at least twenty more are left undisturbed. This helps ensure strong plant populations for years to come — not just for us, but for the many creatures who rely on them.

Our homestead is home to deer, birds, pollinators, bears, and even the occasional mountain lion — all of whom depend on the same wild foods we do. When people overharvest berries or other key food sources, it forces animals like bears to seek food elsewhere, often leading them into populated areas and dangerous situations. Removing even one plant from the ecosystem can have a ripple effect that throws off the entire balance of life here.

By harvesting mindfully and leaving plenty behind, we help protect the natural food web and keep the harmony of our farm and forest intact.

3. Leave No Trace

We believe in treading lightly — both in our harvests and our footsteps. Much of our land is intentionally left wild, just as nature intended. We maintain thoughtful foraging paths and are mindful of where — and when — we move through the landscape.

Our seasonal rhythms aren’t just about plant life; they also honor the lives of the animals who share this space. We avoid disturbing nesting turkey flocks, dens of baby foxes, resting baby deer, and other wildlife that rely on the safety of undisturbed ground cover. Every step is taken with awareness, every harvest balanced with care.

Whether we’re collecting herbs, roots, or berries, we take only what’s needed and leave no sign we were ever there — because the wild isn’t just our source; it’s our shared home.

4. Follow the Seasons

Each plant has its own unique rhythm, and we work diligently to honor it. We harvest flowers at their peak bloom, leaves while they’re fresh and vibrant, and roots only when the time is right.

Fall is traditionally the season for root harvests, but we don’t rush the process. We wait until each plant has fully bloomed, gone to seed, and had the chance to scatter the next generation before we even consider disturbing its roots. By allowing the plant to complete its full life cycle, we help ensure its continued presence in the wild.

Harvesting in harmony with nature’s timeline isn’t just better for the plants — it results in more potent remedies and a deeper relationship with the land itself.

5. Gratitude & Reciprocity

We never take without giving something back. Whether it’s pausing to offer thanks, scattering seeds, or simply moving with care, our wildcrafting practice is rooted in respect.

Whenever possible, we actively re-seed the areas we harvest from — either by helping plants spread their own seeds during collection or by bringing along saved seeds from previous seasons. This small act supports regeneration and helps ensure the abundance of future harvests, not just for us, but for wildlife, pollinators, and the ecosystem as a whole.

To us, wildcrafting is a relationship, not a transaction. Every harvest is a conversation with the land, one that begins with listening, moves with intention, and ends in gratitude.

Why It Matters

In a world of overharvesting, habitat loss, and mass production, ethical wildcrafting is more important now than ever. It protects native plant populations, supports biodiversity, and preserves herbal traditions in a way that honors the land, rather than exploiting it.

It also means that when you use one of our serums, salves, soaks, or balms, you’re getting more than just skincare. You’re receiving a story — one that started with a quiet walk in the woods, the rustle of leaves, the buzz of bees, and a deep respect for the wild.

Want to Learn More About Ethical Foraging in Colorado?

We love sharing what we know. Follow us on Instagram @thisunboundlife.blog for seasonal plant profiles, tips on ethical foraging in Colorado, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life on the Byers Ranch Homestead. Or stop by and meet us at one of our local markets — we’re always happy to talk plants, products, and how we bring the wild into your everyday rituals. Get the conversation started by asking your questions in the comments below, and until next time,