Foraging with the Wildman

What luck. We've been interested in foraging for several months, walking, reading and searching online. I learned about Wildman Steve Brill who leads foraging walks, and thought we might one day go up to NYC to participate in one of his Central Park walks. From the "Forage Ahead" Yahoo group, I learned that he would be leading a free walk in New Jersey, sponsored by the New Jersey Mycological Association. It was closer, free, and maybe we'd learn something about mushrooms too.

We expected it to be a small group and were surprised that there were close to 50 in attendance. We hiked around Deer Path Park near Flemington, NJ, learning a bit about wild edibles and enjoying Wildman's banter. We purchased one of his books, "Shoots and Greens of Early Spring in Northeastern North America" and a small hand lens for me to carry on forays.

We were especially intrigued by the mushroom folks who had brought a bounteous potluck lunch, and were talking up their annual three-day foray to be held in July at King's Gap Environmental Center near Carlisle, PA. We decided we should give this mushrooming a try, plopped down the nominal membership fee, and said we would seriously consider participating in the three-day foray.