When planning a trip into the wilderness

 When planning a trip into the wilderness have a plan even if you are planning to go for a few hours.

It is important to pack more water than you think you will use, nuts and dried fruit, layer your clothing for unexpected changes in weather conditions. You will want to bring a compass because cell phones are unreliable. Pack a blanket, extra socks, flashlight, matches, and flint; pack anything to help you survive a night in the wild.

Plan your route and dress according to the type of terrain you will encounter while walking. Check to see if there are any alerts about bears, fires, flooding or trail closures before setting out. It is important to tell a friend, relative, parents your destination and path, time of departure and arrival back to camp.  If going by a vehicle to your destination verbalize the type, color, and plate number. Hiking alone is dangerous, so please call a friend to go along with you.

If you do become lost STOP

Stop: Start by taking off your pack and sit some place comfortable.

Start by slowing your breaths down. Close your eyes, and as you inhale through your nose with a controlled breath, feel that breath start to fill your stomach and then your chest area. When you reach the point where you cannot inhale another breath you will hold for 3 seconds and then slowly and with control, exhale through your pursed lips. Relax your shoulders and make your mind listen to the sounds and repeat.

Think: The reason for the above exercise is to help you think clearly about how to overcome the situation positively. You will be able to prioritize better if you have a clear mind and are not panicked.

Observe: Assess what you have in your pack, is there anything that will make a shelter, are there plants or animals for a food supply and is there water nearby? Do not move at all until you have a particular reason to take a step. As a very last resort, follow a stream downhill.

Plan: After completing the above task, plan your next step. How can you best adjust to your situation? You have a better chance of survival if you are thinking in a positive frame of mind. Put your plan into action by building a fire, getting water, and building/seeking shelter. Do not sit on the ground hoping to be found in an hour or you will DIE!

Cattails

There are many species of cattails, but there are two species most commonly found in the US: broad-leaved cattail and narrow leaf cattail. Cattails have a broad or narrow leaf, which resembles a long stiff blade of grass. The plant leaves can grow as tall as 10 feet. The facility consists of a flower structure without petals made up of a brown, fuzzy, hot dog shape on the bottom, which is the female portion, and a long slender type yellow spike on top of the brown structure, which is the male part.

Cattails have two ways of reproducing; In the fall, the plump brown heads will release their seeds with the help of a breeze. Cattails also have thick, white roots, called rhizomes. These rhizomes take in the nutrients from the water, and with the aid of the sun, the plants will grow fast and thick. The root system protects against erosion from heavy rains or mild flooding.

This plant provides food and cover for our wildlife. Some species of birds will use the brown fluff to line the houses they build on the tall weeds. Bigger birds, such as ducks and geese will hide their nest directly in the shoots to protect their eggs from predators. Frogs lay their eggs around and in-between them. Fish will hide from Blue Herons that fly in or land predators wanting a tasty dinner. Animals, such as deer, raccoons, and turkeys use the cattails as cover. The leaves provide food for insects; thus, the bugs provide food for the birds. Humans have been using cattails for centuries. The American Indians used the leaves in the making of mats to sleep on, baskets to hold food and water. They used the fluffy part of the plant to provide protection from the outside elements. They stitched it into clothing and bedding, because of its natural ability to insulate. Pioneers used the fluff to stuff dolls and used the brown heads to light a fire.

Cattail Wigwam

 The root contains a sticky glue-like substance that applied has an adhesive for the paper. The pollen from the brown part of the plant to be added to food because it has an endless amount of nutrients. The root of the plant and the pollen are used as flour when cooking bread or thickening stews. However, this will take many plants and much patience, but the reward is worth the effort.

Some people consider this type a plant problematic, and it grows so fast and thick; it has the potential to choke out the beneficial plants needed to maintain the ecosystem of that water source. The movement of water decreases and then the water becomes stagnant, which becomes the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed in and spreads diseases to domestic animals, livestock, and humans.

Linda Tanner

If you are trying to keep pesky animals like raccoons or muskrats out and keep mosquitoes at bay, cut your cattails back using a weed cutter and then a rake to rid the tails that fell into the water. There is another product called MuckAway™ this product helps to break down the decomposing material and muck. If you want cattails, but want them contained in an area, you will have to make a point of regularly cleaning up what grows outside your designated area.

SURVIVING WOODS SHOCK

If you find yourself lost and alone ,stay where you are until help arrives only move if you are facing extreme danger. You need to remember the word STOP. It stands for Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan.

Stop: Start by taking off your pack and set some place comfortable. Start by slowing your breaths down. Close your eyes, and as you inhale through your nose with a controlled breath, feel that breath start to fill your stomach and then your chest area. When you reach the point where you can't inhale another breath hold for 3 seconds and slowly and with control, exhale through your pursed lips. Relax your shoulders and clear your mind, listen to the sounds and repeat.

Think: The reason for the above exercise is to help you think rationally. You will be able to evaluate how best to survive, evaluate which priority comes first, and how best to use your problem solving abilities when the situation calls for action.

Observe: Who is with you, are there any injuries, assess what you have in your pack 1st. is there shelter, food, or water nearby? What type of terrain are you in?

Plan: After completing the above task, plan your next step. How can you best adjust to your situation? You have a better chance of survival if you are thinking in a positive frame of mind. Put your plan in to action by building a fire, getting water, and building/seeking shelter. Do not sit on the ground thinking that you will be found in an hour or you will DIE!