I love it when my writing life is enriched by a new word, especially one that relates to my lifestyle and values. My attempt to eat food growing locally makes me a locavore. I am a member of Harmony Farm, a local CSA. They are very happy to let me take the weeds in addition [...]

When I set out earlier today, my goal was to find: Wood sorrel Purslane Black trumpet mushrooms Oyster mushrooms Wild blueberries Wineberries Huckleberries I decided to challenge myself a bit, so today’s hike was in Minnewaska State Park, about 35 miles north of my usual haunts. I did not find the black trumpets, but I [...]

As my knowledge increases, the way I look at nature and the way I hike have changed. Here’s one way to spend part of a summer day.

Thanks to my COMA walk last week, I learned to identify several new edible mushrooms, including the black trumpet (Craterellus fallax). I sautéed them in olive oil and ate them. This has been one of those wonderful, bountiful days. I had planned to wait several months to read the final Harry Potter, but as it [...]

This is a bountiful season for mushrooms and many other wild edibles.

Enjoying nature is in the little things, like this insect (I think it’s a firefly) on a laurel node. Dawn and dusk are the best times for hiking; that’s when I see the most wildlife activity.

There are no words to express my gratitude at discovering COMA. I’ve learned that after morels, mushroom season goes on hiatus until summer kicks in and it rains. Yesterday’s walk yielded four varieties of edible mushrooms and more than a dozen other fungi.

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a choice edible according to the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms. Now that I have confirmed my find, it’s time to cook and eat this beauty.

The workshops I attended at this event gave me an opportunity to meet and learn from dedicated naturalists. Beyond the workshops, there were hands-on opportunities to learn trail-building skills, hikes, excursions to area events, vendors, book signings, and the most patient and helpful support staff anywhere. I got pointers on nature photography, hanging my hammock, [...]

The common cattail (Typha latifolia )  is useful in all areas of survival. I have always enjoyed eating the early spring shoots. I’ve woven the leaves into mats for sitting, added pollen to baked goods, harvested the mature stalks for shelter insulation, and gathered the mature seed heads for pillow stuffing. This time of year, [...]