Interested in foraging? Maybe its your first time or maybe you'd like to improve your skills?
Learn about Fungi! In learning to identify mushrooms we can start to understand benefits they can provide for humans and the environment. Some are medicinal, some are choice edibles, and some are toxic or even deadly to humans. But, don't let that scare you away from the this topic; instead let curiosity steer us away from fear and towards education and knowledge.
Here are some simple tips for beginner foragers:
Protect Yourself! Always use some form of bug repellant, as ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes etc. thrive in the areas that are best for foraging. Personally, I choose to wear long pants most times, even in the heat of summer just to avoid excess exposure to these elements and protect myself from topical toxins like the common 'Poison Ivy' plant. Sunscreen and a rain jacket are always good to have too.
Bring a Field Guide. Most times when we forage we will find ourselves tediously working toward identifications before we can reap the benefits of harvesting. A great way to learn as you go is to bring along a field guide. When searching for a field guide, be sure to pick one that is most specific to your area and climate.
Documentation. Make sure to bring along your phone, camera, and/or a notepad to document what you encounter. Phones are a great way to simultaneously document with photos, location, and time of year for different species you encounter on your forage.
Don't forget your Knife & Bag or Basket! As foragers, we have a responsibility to respect our environment from which we are utilizing. With that said, if you are foraging plants or mushrooms, be sure to bring a knife along in order to preserve root systems and mycelial networks. Baskets are a great way to collect plants and especially fungi as they provide natural air circulation for spores to continue to be released into the forest even after harvesting.


Remember: Even if you're not prepared for a forage, be sure to enjoy your surroundings and immerse yourself in what the Japanese call a "Forest Bath."
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