One of the most popular non-timber forest products are the berries that people harvest every summer and fall. In the last few days of summer, many people start thinking about storing away berries for the cold winter ahead. Like their ancestors, they return to the traditional areas where their mothers and fathers also went to gather berries; the fruits of the forest.

Fall is the perfect time to gather cranberries, blueberries, cloud berries, and black currants. One of the favourite and most abundant berries are the richly coloured cranberries used in sauces, jams, pies and all sorts of other heart-warming dishes. A fall hunt would not be complete without a stop to gather and eat a handful of these ripe berries.

There are many good books available that describe these wild berries in detail. We have summarized some of the key information from them here. Consult your local library or bookstore for these books.