Cattails

Landmark #17 (Three New Outdoor Skills)

My mom and I went to Barnardo Park with hand clippers and cut some cattails. I only cut down 3 of them that had cattails on them because the brown cattails are the most important part of the plant because it spreads the seeds for plants to grow next year. We brought the tall reeds home and with string I showed my mom how to tie them into a cattail mat. First Nation Peoples used to use this technique to make beds, baskets and clothes. I learned this at Camp Kawartha. I also fluffed the brown cattails and put it in a bag. We brought it camping and use it as a fire starter.

Nature Ninjas – Aug 25/20