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Go Forth and Forage: A Must-Have Guide for Mushroom Foraging

March 8, 2025 0

Spring is elusive here in the Appalachian forest. I’m excited for spring adventures being in full bloom! Living in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, I love exploring the woods. Still, this year, I have a new guide in hand to take my mushroom foraging skills to the next level—Go Forth and Forage: A Guide to Foraging Over 50 of the Most Common Edible & Medicinal North American Mushrooms by Whitney Johnson (a.k.a. the Appalachian Forager).

Foraging for wild foods has seen a huge rise in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly rewarding about finding, harvesting, and preparing food straight from nature. Mushrooms, in particular, are fascinating—nutritious, delicious, and abundant in the right seasons. But for beginners and experienced foragers alike, the challenge has always been how to confidently and safely identify the right species. That’s where this book comes in.

A Personal Foraging First in the Rockies

The first time I ever went mushroom foraging, I was living in Colorado. A Russian friend took us deep into the Rocky Mountains and introduced us to the world of wild mushrooms, teaching us how to identify which ones were safe to eat and which to leave untouched. It was an unforgettable experience—wandering through alpine meadows and dense pine forests, filling our baskets with chanterelles and boletes. That adventure sparked a lifelong curiosity about foraging, and now, living in the Appalachian Mountains, I’m eager to expand my knowledge and put it to use in a whole new landscape.

A Season-by-Season Mushroom Foraging Guide

One of the standout features of Go Forth and Forage is how it walks readers through the process of mushroom hunting in all four seasons. From morels and woodears in spring, to black trumpets, chicken of the woods, and boletes in summer, and lion’s mane, oyster, and enoki mushrooms in fall and winter, this book is packed with detailed identification cues, full-color photos, and responsible harvesting tips to ensure you can forage safely and ethically.

Each mushroom profile includes:
✔ Easy-to-follow identification guides
✔ Tips for safe and responsible foraging
✔ Culinary preparation advice and recipes
✔ Guidance on medicinal uses, including tinctures and teas

More Than a Mushroom Guide—A Forager’s Handbook

Whitney Johnson’s signature down-to-earth and folksy tone makes Go Forth and Forage not just a reference book, but an enjoyable read that feels like learning from a trusted friend. Beyond identification, she dives into the skills every successful forager needs, including:

🍄 How to locate wild mushrooms (hint: tree identification is key!)
🍄 Understanding mushroom anatomy for better identification
🍄 Foraging gear recommendations—from knives and bags to clothing and boots
🍄 How to use spore prints for accurate species confirmation
🍄 Common mushroom myths debunked
🍄 The ethics of responsible foraging—because sustainability matters!

Meet the Appalachian Forager

If you haven’t come across Whitney Johnson yet, you’re in for a treat! She’s built an incredible online community with nearly 2 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (@appalachian_forager), where she shares educational and quirky videos about foraging, Appalachian culture, and self-sufficiency. A proud Appalachian through and through, she’s not only a foraging expert, but also a wildcrafter, gardener, and cook who loves sharing her deep-rooted connection to the land.

Why This Book is a Must-Read for Aspiring and Seasoned Foragers

Whether you’re completely new to mushroom foraging or you’ve been exploring the woods for years, Go Forth and Forage is an invaluable resource that belongs on your bookshelf (or better yet, in your foraging bag!). The book strikes the perfect balance between science, tradition, and practicality, making it an essential guide for anyone eager to explore the wild world of mushrooms.

This spring, I can’t wait to put Whitney’s wisdom to the test, stepping into the Appalachian forest with a newfound confidence in identifying and harvesting mushrooms safely and ethically. If you’ve ever been curious about foraging, now’s the time to dive in—and this book is the perfect place to start!

📖 Go Forth and Forage is available now—grab your copy and get ready for a season of delicious discoveries!

Have you ever tried foraging for wild mushrooms? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about your favorite finds! 🍄✨

Last-Minute Tips for an Eco-Friendly Christmas

December 20, 2024 0

With Christmas just a few days away, the excitement is building—but so is the hustle and bustle! It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but there’s still time to make eco-friendly choices that will add thoughtfulness to your celebrations. Here are some simple, last-minute tips to make your holiday greener without skipping the joy.

1. Wrap It Up Sustainably

Ditch the roll of shiny, plastic-coated wrapping paper and opt for creative alternatives already in your home. Use fabric scraps, newspaper, old maps, or even reusable scarves. Add a festive touch with natural elements like twine, dried herbs, or sprigs of pine.

2. Shop Local for Last-Minute Gifts

There’s no need to rely on overnight shipping. Head to local markets or small businesses for unique, handcrafted gifts that support your community. Bonus: You’ll save on all that packaging waste!

3. Simplify Your Holiday Menu

Planning a feast? Choose seasonal, plant-based ingredients where you can. Skip individually packaged items and shop at bulk or farmer’s markets instead. For leftover lovers, have reusable containers ready to share the holiday abundance.

4. Create a Cozy Holiday Ambiance

Instead of buying more decorations, take a walk outside! Gather pinecones, evergreen branches, and other natural elements to create a warm and inviting space. Dimming the lights and using candles can also add a cozy, festive glow.

5. Focus on Experiences Over Things

If you’re still scrambling for a gift, consider offering an experience instead. A homemade coupon for babysitting, a nature walk, or a post-holiday movie night can mean more than anything wrapped in a box.

6. Recycle Thoughtfully

After the unwrapping frenzy, be mindful of what you toss. Recycle cardboard boxes, gift wrap without glitter or foil, and reuse bows and ribbons for next year. Compost food scraps instead of tossing them in the trash.

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. With just a few simple changes, you can celebrate with heart and mindfulness, keeping the magic alive while being kinder to the planet. Wishing you and your family a joyful and eco-friendly Christmas!

How to Upcycle Wine Corks into Thanksgiving Place Card Holders

November 14, 2024 0

When Eben was little, I would encourage him to spend some time creating something fun for the Thanksgiving table. Over the years, he has made apple printed napkins, pine cone turkey centerpieces, and floral arrangements. Several years ago we really wanted to utilize the corks we have saved – so we started brainstorming fun crafts. We decided to use the corks along with a handful of other supplies from the recycling bin and craft closet to make turkey inspired place cards.

This project is super simple and will keep your child busy Thanksgiving morning while you are cooking, baking, cleaning, and getting ready for the big day. At the end of the project, your child will have these fun colorful place cards to offer as part of the Thanksgiving table decor. Then, as your guests leave after the feast, they can take their turkeys home with them as a memento of a cherished day together.

Green Your Labor Day Weekend BBQ

August 29, 2024 0

Inviting friends and family over for a leisurely BBQ with good company and even better food is one of life’s simple pleasures but it isn’t always the greenest option. Don’t panic, though – you don’t have to give up your precious BBQs – there are so many things you can fo to make your next cookout a lot more green…

Buy food from the farmer’s market

Cut down on food miles by purchasing your BBQ meats, veggies, etc., from a local producer. Farmer’s markets are the ideal place to find locally produced food and you will probably find that it tastes even better than the stuff you buy at the store too, which means not only will your BBQ be greener, but you’ll be able to blow your guests away with the quality of your cooking too. What’s not to love?

More meat-free options

You may all be meat-eaters, but why not throw a few more veggie recipes on the BBQ than you normally would? Meat tends to have a much higher carbon footprint than delicious veggie options like grilled corn and cauliflower steaks, so even if you replace a small amount of meat on the BBQ with fruit and veg, you will be lowering your footprint, and you know what – ith the right marinade they’re just as delicious.

Switch straws

Chances are you’ll be making up a pitcher or two of your favorite cocktail, but instead of serving it with plastic straws like you normally would, why not go straw-free or if you can’t manage that, use biodegradable straws instead. Straws are greatest for sipping a delightful drink, but if they’re plastic, they’ll still be around polluting the environment long after you’re gone. By making a simple switch, you can still enjoy your drinks, but in a far greener way.

Set up a recycling station

If you’re BBQs and to result in a lot of trash, one thing you could do is set up a recycling station that you can encourage your guests to use. This can be as simple as setting up an area with cardboard or plastic boxes each labeled with the type of trash they’ll take – paper, plastic cans, etc.. Then, you won’t end up with a trashcan full of perfectly recyclable stuff, nor will you have to sift through said trashcan to separate it all out yourself.

Use a wood-burning stove

If you already have a grill, there’s no sense in going out and buying a new one – that would just be wasteful – but if you’re in the market for one, consider going for a wood-burner instead of a grill that uses gas. That way you can use reclaimed or sustainable wood to cook your food, which is a little greener than fuel that has to be extracted from the earth.

Use fuel sparingly

Using only just enough fuel to cook your food is a great way to make your BBQ a little greener without compromising on the taste of your food. Even turning off the gas hen yo0u aren’t in the process of grilling will make a huge difference and if you do this, cover the grill when cooking and watch fuel consumption, you’ll use less and produce less pollution.

Enjoy your greener grilling!

10 Eco-Friendly End of Summer Family Activities

August 19, 2024 0

Summer adventures and eco-friendly outings are coming to an end, and this is a great opportunity to involve children in caring about the environment. Here are ten green end-of-summer activities you can enjoy with your children—from beach and museum visits to seeing your backyard in a whole new light; kids will relish making these summer memories while learning more about Mother Nature.

1. Local Farms: Visiting a local farm is a great way to show your children how food is grown and harvested. They can see which fruits and veggies grow in your area, and they may also interact with and learn more about farm animals. Some farms offer classes that allow kids to milk a cow, collect eggs from hens, feed the goats and sheep, and ride a horse. You could also visit a fruit farm, such as a strawberry patch, and spend the day picking your berries.

2. Nature and Science Museums: Many local nature and science museums feature exhibits that allow children to see, touch, and interact with fascinating subjects. You can also check out an IMAX movie with a nature theme to give kids a grandiose view and insight into the environment.

3. Butterfly Pavilion: Visit a butterfly pavilion and experience free-flying butterflies, birds, subtropical and tropical flowers, plants, and trees.

4. Zoo: Your zoo may offer a junior zookeeper program where your child can learn about caring for the animals while learning about their natural habitats and any threats they face.

5. Nature Preserves: My family lived in Southern Florida for five years and loved our time at the local nature and animal preserves. You can take guided tours to learn about the animals that live there, and many offer classes.

6. Library: Your local library is stocked with environmental information that your children will love. Check out issues of Ranger Rick and National Geographic Kids.

7. Botanical Gardens: Visit your local Botanical Gardens and learn about native plants, trees, and flowers. Many offer classes and have ample space for an outdoor picnic. While you are there, look closely for bugs and birds.

8. Hike and Swim: Explore a natural trail in your area. Let the kids explore nooks and crannies and climb on rocks. Please pack a lunch and enjoy it next to a watering hole where the kids can swim.

9. Hit the Beach: Slather some sunblock on your kids and top them off with a great summer hat, then enjoy the waves, build sandcastles, or bury each other in the sand. The beach is undoubtedly one of nature’s best forms of entertainment. Take kids on a Heal the Bay mission to clean up trash on their treasured beach.

10. Your Backyard: Walk around your neighborhood or local park. Prepare a nature scavenger hunt for the kids. Write down several items on a piece of paper. Give each child a bucket to collect the items found on the list, such as a leaf, rock, flower, feather, etc. This is tons of fun and gets them looking for items they may have overlooked.

What are your green outing plans for this summer? Let us know in the comments section!

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