Cooped Up? Get Uncooped.

Cattails, which grow in wet wastelands and wetlands nearly everywhere in North America, except the extreme northern reaches of the continent, offers one of the best fire starters naturally available. And, it's available nearly year-round.

It's the fuzzy, cottony pollen in the tubular pods at the top of the stalk that you want. When dried, that stuff will go up like gasoline with the slightest spark.

As an ultimate, naturally available, survival tool, cattail pollen is available throughout the year because some of the stalks remain erect until only the most severe weather of the year topples them. That tends to keep some of the pollen high and dry at all times.

Gettin your next emergency, or just for fun, fire started is as simple as looking for the nearest ditch. 

• cattail
• fire