in our last yard we had a common old fashioned mulberry tree. in the late summer, we spread clean sheets under the tree and the kids would climb up and shake those branches 'til the fruit dropped. mulberries are not as sweet as other berries, but with a little sugar, they make a great pie. especially mixed with slivered almonds.
we also tapped maple trees for the kids (talk about mindless idiocy!). then we set up the grill and stood there for hours 'til the liquid became thick. i swear, it cost more to make it than to buy real pure maple syrup. we did that for a few years until no one wanted to do the stirring anymore. :mrgreen: