Foraging guide?

[plantonytoni]

I did a short trip with my parents and family just north of Seattle. My son and his two cousins got really curious playing and exploring the parks and they noticed some mushrooms even I don't remember seeing when I used to frequent the area when I was younger! I thought it's a good opportunity to learn about foraging, educate the kids, and make sure they're also informed when they're going around and trying stuff on their own! The topic is just a bit overwhelming, but if anyone has tips where we can start, please let me know! What's a good foraging guide especially if we're spending more time in the PNW?

 

[dashiegirl2467]

That sounds like a fun activity with the kids! I think you can start with is this book from Douglas Deur, title has something like wild and Flavorful edibles or something like that. It's got great photos and info which kids will like!

For mushrooms specifically, which can be tricky. You need something that will help you ID common edibles while warning about look alikes.Good luck with this and just don't eat or touch anything that you're not sure about!

 

[Broken Strings]

I did a short trip with my parents and family just north of Seattle. My son and his two cousins got really curious playing and exploring the parks and they noticed some mushrooms even I don't remember seeing when I used to frequent the area when I was younger! I thought it's a good opportunity to learn about foraging, educate the kids, and make sure they're also informed when they're going around and trying stuff on their own! The topic is just a bit overwhelming, but if anyone has tips where we can start, please let me know! What's a good foraging guide especially if we're spending more time in the PNW?

So nice that you're doing this with the fam! I think just my word of caution is to watch out for harmful mushrooms out there. @dashiegirl2467 here has a point, you need something to help you ID common mushrooms. There are just a lot of dangers out there in the wild.

 

[LeafLurker]

That sounds like a fun activity with the kids! I think you can start with is this book from Douglas Deur, title has something like wild and Flavorful edibles or something like that. It's got great photos and info which kids will like!

For mushrooms specifically, which can be tricky. You need something that will help you ID common edibles while warning about look alikes.Good luck with this and just don't eat or touch anything that you're not sure about!

I really love that idea! It's such a great way to spark the kids' curiosity and get them learning outside. The book you mentioned also sounds like a great pick. Has the OP considered checking out a local foraging group or going on a guided walk nearby? Those can be really helpful for hands-on experience, especially in the Pacific Northwest where there's such a rich variety of nature.

 

[Jinny32]

Thats awesome.. Go check a local guide like 'All That the Rain Promises' by Arora or 'The Mushroom Hunter's Field' Guide. Joining local foraging groups like this one can also help you learn the ropes safely so yeah youre on the right path! And definitely teach the kids to never eat anything unless they're totally sure its safe..

 

[fungi_hunt3r]

That's solid advice, start with some good local guides and hook up with some local groups to get some safe, real-world smarts, mostly with mushrooms