In our work at Eco Design, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Whether we’re renovating a garden or creating a cozy outdoor space, I always come back to this: nature gives us everything—if we respect it.
Recently, my husband Nas and I spent a day foraging in Washington’s forests with free permits in hand. We gathered a handful of native plants that would blend beautifully into our garden and I had a personal project I needed willow boughs for.
We were permitted:
• Ferns (5 per household limit) – perfect for lush, shaded corners.
• Willow branches (up to 5 lbs) – ideal for wreaths, baskets or propagation.
• Moss – (up to 5 lbs) harvested by hand, no rakes, always leaving plenty behind.
We’ve built our lives—and our business—on family and connection. Foraging days, with our dogs Nyx and Clio trailing us, are as much about that connection as they are about sustainability. With each trip, I’m reminded of how little we need to take to feel fulfilled.
For master gardeners and native plant enthusiasts, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a valuable resource for responsibly harvesting full plants, propagation materials, and other forest products.
What can you take?
1. Transplanting Full Plants
The forest allows the collection of certain full plants—such as young trees, shrubs, and ferns—under specific conditions. This is an excellent opportunity for gardeners focused on native species.
• What’s Allowed:
• Up to 5 plants under 2 feet tall annually for personal use.
• Common choices include native ferns, salal, huckleberry starts, and small saplings.
• Tools: Hand tools only (no mechanized equipment).
Sustainability Tip:
• Harvest plants from areas near roads (typically within 50 feet) to minimize impact.
• Always backfill holes to restore the soil and prevent erosion.
• Avoid removing plants that show signs of stress or poor health.
• Permit: A Free Use Permit covers small quantities. Larger quantities or commercial use require a Charge Use Permit.
2. Propagation Materials: Clippings and Seeds
For those working on restoration projects, experimental growing, or adding native plants to their landscapes, the forest is a treasure trove of propagation materials.
• What to Collect:
• Small cuttings from salal, willow, huckleberry, or other native shrubs.
• Seeds, cones, and small clusters of plant material suitable for propagation.
• Harvest Tips:
• Take only small amounts—never strip a plant of growth.
• Focus on mature plants and avoid young or delicate specimens.
• Spread your harvesting to reduce stress on any one area.
• Permit: Generally not required for minimal personal use, but confirm with the ranger station for specific species.
3. Wild Mushrooms and Edibles
Wild mushrooms such as morels, chanterelles, and matsutake are abundant here. These fungi are not only excellent for culinary uses but also great for gardeners experimenting with spore propagation.
• Sustainability Tip: Use breathable containers like baskets to allow spores to disperse as you forage.
4. Boughs, Greenery, and Small Wood
• Native greenery, like ferns and cedar boughs, is perfect for floral arrangements or compost experimentation.
• Pinecones, moss, and small deadwood pieces add natural beauty and function to gardens or compost piles.
The Rules: Keeping Foraging Sustainable
Every national forest has its own regulations for harvesting, so start by visiting your local ranger station or checking online. For us, it was Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
At Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie first time foragers need a permit, which you have to go in person to create an account with an ID and license plate/car information. Future permits can be attained over the phone.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Permits are free, but required. They set clear limits to protect the plants and ecosystems.
2. Take only what you need. Small amounts go a long way.
3. Harvest by hand: Gently remove moss or branches, leaving the area intact.
Foraging in Design: Bringing Nature Home
The plants we collect don’t just inspire us—they find their way into our garden projects. Ferns tucked into shaded pathways, willow branches woven into live fences, and moss lining pots or terrariums give new life to any space.
But for me, it’s also about the experience: muddy boots, mossy fingers, and the quiet hum of the forest. Foraging reminds me why we do this work—to care for our spaces, our clients, and our environment.
Thinking of foraging for your next project? Grab a permit, pack light, and bring the family. You’ll come home with more than plants—you’ll bring back peace and inspiration, too.
We’ve even incorporated foraging into projects with our clients, securing permits to gather native plants that align with their garden makeovers or eco-renovations. While it’s not a money-saver (you’re paying for the expertise and time spent with master staff), it’s a thoughtful way to add unique, local touches to a space. That said, foraging permits are for personal use only, not commercial harvesting, ensuring our forests remain abundant and protected. These small-scale, intentional efforts help us design with care while staying rooted in sustainability.