Geographically speaking, Ramps have been a choice spring pot herb not only
for the lure of its flavor but also for its nutritional value. The green
leaves have 3 to 4 times more Selenium and flavanoids, both powerful
anti-oxidants, over the bulbs and are no less potent in flavor. Ramp
popularity has grown so much so over the years that they can be purchased at
markets, roadside farm-stands and restaurants from Quebec to the
Appalachia's. Bought over the Internet and shipped fresh to your door. Even
some southern festivals are dedicated solely for the Ramp season and Ramp
eating.

All this demand can bring about a reasonable concern for its future
viability. Especially when one considers the ratio of supply and demand.
This wild edible can end up a very unavailable food in a very short time. To
those who harvest Wild Leeks or know someone who does, please consider the
following suggestions as this will allow Ramps for our future and our
grandchildren's children's future. Suggestions are followed by statistics
and supportive evidence(*).
*

Consider this: *Invest in Ramps.

Leave at least 80% to 90% of the plants for adequate self propagation. For
instance, for every group cluster of plants, remove only one or two single
Ramp(s).
(*) It takes 2 to 3 years for a Ramp seed to germinate and up to 6 years to
fully mature !
*

Consider this: *Keep their life force in the ground.

Leave ½ inch of their bulb root in the earth. Cut only the green leaves at
or just below soil level. (*) It has been observed that by keeping ½ inch or
more of the bulb root in the ground will allow the plant to continue to grow
for future seasons. Supportive studies have also shown that when harvesting
a stand of Ramps, if one picks as little as 5% - 15%, root and all, cause's
the stand to go below 'an equilibrium level'. Meaning, the stand is
functioning at substandard levels and can take several years to return to
normal. As long as it is untouched for the next few years, this will give it
a chance to repropagate.
*

Consider this: *Rotate harvesting stands.

Have at least 3 or 4 sources to harvest from and visit only one of them each
year. (*) It takes 2.5 years for a stand to fully recover from general
harvesting. In Quebec Canada, permits are given for Ramp harvesting with
only 5 Ramps per person !
*

Lastly and as importantly, consider: *Think sustainability.

Share with all children the ethical wild crafting way.

Ask local merchants and restaurants to buy bulb-less plants from their wild
harvesters.
Lastly, this is the right thing to do for all of Nature to prosper.

This report and considerations by Marguerite Uhlmann-Bower, Herbalist and
Registered Nurse - The Herbal Nurses and a wild foods enthusiast. Author of
Healing the Injured Brain with Herbs and Natural Therapies. Source of Stats
and further reading: "Having Your Ramps and Eating Them Too" by Glen
Facemire, Jr. 2009.