Ozark Living

During this time, nearly one million people came from cities all over the United States to live a quieter life. Many of the new townspeople were in their mid- to early-20s and had a high education but little to no knowledge of living off the land. Similarly, in today's urban exodus, Arkansas was the top moved-to state in 2021, according to the U.S. Migration Report. Now, as Northwest Arkansas' population inevitably extends south and the River Valley is sure to expand north to our beloved foothills, an area so rich with the history of living a homestead lifestyle, I hope we can modernize without diminishing what makes us unique: community. Water Over e Dam By Beth Shaw-Corey Aer a long, dry summer, the water at Natural Dam is flowing once again. I hope that can be a metaphor for what is happening within our community. It seems that since the Sunshine Cafe closed, the town hasn't been the same for its tourists, nor for the residents and natives. It's amazing how one building can be the heartbeat of a community. ere's not a cheeseburger that can compare to the ones cooked on that old, brick grill. Most of all, you can't replicate the comradery. In a world that is run by keyboard warriors on social media, the lack of intimate fellowship with neighbors leaves a deep longing for all of us. We attempt to fill the void with likes and interactions in a virtual world that will never fulfill us. What makes our hills and hollers so unique is not just the breathtaking, magical scenery before our eyes, but the beautiful and bright souls that live within its trees. "Water Over the Dam" was originally a community newsletter sent to the residents of Natural Dam. I would love to eventually get this started again. Maggie's Conclusion ere are three types of people in the foothills of the Ozarks: multi-generation families, back-to-the-landers, and a mix of the two — children who were born and raised here that le when they came of age and then came back when they realized there's no place like home. I fall into that category. "Somewhere, Over the River" is your all- inclusive guide to the forgotten foothills of the Ozarks through a native perspective. To follow along, visit www.somewhereovertheriver.com or follow us on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram. Look for our full print in the Washington County Enterprise Leader. Foraging Column Welcome to another edition of the foraging section, where we try things that are new to us, but old to the Ozarks and the River Valley. My name is Dittany Hammer and I'll be your guide through the mysterious and exotic plants that were here before us. is may surprise you, but we have many wild onions in the Ozarks. Some are native to this area and others are invasive. e invasive one is pictured here as many picked tops, but the bulb can be pulled also. ese are delicate vegetables, but that doesn't mean they aren't packed with flavor. Add them at the end of a cooked dish or to a salad to get the most flavor. Or, if you have enough, cook them in the dish and add fresh at the end. ey will not disappoint. Next is our passion flower fruit. It has an incredible sweetness with a sour kick to remind your salivary glands they still exist. In this graying weather, a nice tropical-flavored fruit really brings the beach to your mind, but hot sand and azure waters aren't what this plant likes. To find it, look in overgrown, sunny fields, or on slopes facing south or west. Our final plant of the month is violet. ere are native and nonnative varieties, all edible and very persnickety. eir heart- shaped leaves are dead giveaways. is mild, fleshy green is great in a salad and is abundant in yards with shade or sun. It happens to be popping yet again this year as cooler weather has returned. is leafy green boasts a full day's recommended amount of vitamin C in just two leaves. at'll kick a cold in the teeth. ese plants are available locally right now. But remember: Only pick one-third of ripe produce; always save some seeds and spread them back out; and never take the root, unless you want the plant dead. Also, violet roots will make you very sick, so leave those. Anyone interested in the foraging class that I offer the first and third Saturday of each month throughout the winter, or those who would like to learn more about the Ozark Cuisine Movement, can contact me at 479-586- 6197 or homegrownnativefoods@gmail.com. Our next potluck will be Jan. 14, where we will offer plenty of food, education and entertainment. See you at the patch. OZArK LIVING • december 2022 • 31

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