Like many mushroom harvesters, I got interested in foraging for fungi during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I had been preparing for a summer of field work studying foraged desert plants in a remote part of Australia when the pandemic hit, and my travel plans were abruptly frozen. It was March, right before morel mushrooms emerge in central Pennsylvania.
I wasn’t doing a lot other than going on long hikes and taking classes remotely at Penn State for my doctoral degree in ecology and anthropology. One of the classes was an agroforestry class with Eric Burkhart. We studied how agriculture and forests benefit people and the environment.
This post highlights a fascinating aspect of foraging that many discovered during the pandemic. It’s amazing how mushrooms can be appreciated for their culinary, medicinal, and artistic value. Thanks for sharing this unique perspective on the world of fungi!
great to see how people turned to nature for food and connection. The diversity of mushrooms not only offers culinary delights but also plays a crucial role in ecosystems, helping to decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients. It’s a reminder of how intertwined we are with the natural world.
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how foraging can foster not just a deeper connection to nature, but also a sense of community as people share their finds and knowledge. The variety of mushrooms also highlights the importance of biodiversity in our ecosystems.
I completely agree! Foraging really does enhance our appreciation for the environment. It’s interesting to think about how these activities can also promote local biodiversity by encouraging sustainable practices among foragers.