Happy Forage + TDAY ‘20

When the sought-after Blue-Greens of Chlorociboria show up and match your boots, you’re on to Something.

Happy TDay ‘20. With the hope this post finds you and your family well, there being a bit of a different feel to the Holiday this year, we helped organize and enjoyed a great little Thanksgiving forage last night. Lead by Anthony Michael Blowers, the wild stories and snacks once again did not disappoint, as it’s amazing to take in Anthony’s knowledge and share in the sense of discovery. I like to say he walks his talk, and its a privilege to join. Speaking of, pictured above is our find of Chlorociboria, or the Green-staining fungus, which afterward prompted an article sent on how 14-15th century Italian Renaissance craftsman prized the pigmented wood for their inlaid intarsia designs. And the TDay treats! From Candied Cap Mushroom / Red Oak Acorn Cookies to absolutely otherworldly candy-frosted Black Trumpet Mushrooms to more savory snacks like Hen of The Woods Jerky, his leaning to the culinary side of mushrooms was a pleasure as always for participants palates.

It’s a ‘treat’ to eat Anthony’s culinary creations but better when coupled with his tales, a living guidebook to wild edibles. Acorns were an interesting focus this time, that nut of the Oak Tree and their close relatives. Containing a single seed and enclosed in a tough, leathery shell then borne in a cup-shaped cupule, we learned of the very cool, very primitive processing of acorns by Native Americans, putting them in baskets and letting cold rushing river water do its work. Talk of a ‘Mast’ Year, a term used by arborists for a time of an abundant harvest, is a great example of the wonderful ideas and understanding acquired at these workshops. There was also talk of shucking and schluffing acorns, which was fun. 

After a stormy start that had us inside then heading out — although it was noted that rain can be a great foraging catalyst — we entered into the Kingdom of Fungi, both figuratively and literally. Mycology is an exciting, expanding frontier currently, as we study and learn the way the amazing Mycelium of mushrooms communicates and branches out, an organism that stretches over acres. amazing agents of nature’s connectivity. “Technically, mushrooms have been found to be not only the largest but also the fastest moving in all of nature” we were informed, the microscopic spore-throwing movement of Hat Throwing Fungus found to rival the speed of a cheetah streaking the African grassland. And we all enjoyed the magic smoke that arose from a spirited pat down of mini puffballs as well as a siting of slime mold, another dynamic organism that can also move and forward itself at an incredible clip.

Engaging discussion around the fire and talks in the woods were again perfectly interspersed, unique finds with equally extraordinary foods, a perfect example being the talk on Conifers’ edibility in teas, ice cream and other recipes leading to a true taste of  Spruce-tip infused whip cream, all on a home-crafted Pumpkin Pie. Look for an equally amazing Holiday gathering with Anthony in the works for December in addition the last of our 2020 classes and retreat offerings, with a focus on the red and white Christmas connection and lore of Amanita Muscaria, with a tie to reindeer, Shamanism, Healing, and always, Great Eats. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving All!

Our Hip Thanksgiving Happening with Anthony Michael Blowers

This Event may appear a bit last minute, but we couldn’t we use a lil’ spontaneity this Holiday season!? Much to say about our times this week and will, but needed to get this information up forthwith, as we are days away from a wonderful nature walk and late Fall forage with the local legend Anthony Michael Blowers. If you haven’t been out for or read up on any of his gatherings here since the outside world went a bit wonky, you should come, as they have been a true bright spot and an underground uplift for many the last few months. I’ll do some reminiscing and post links to our former outdoor community rendezvous’s, with more to say on Anthony’s walks as well as articles like this New York Times piece calling “The Thanksgiving Myth” to the carpet of our collective consciousness, one of the ideas inspiring this event’s communiqué, easily accessed here for Pre-Registration with, as mentioned, more to say, Hokahey — speak to you and hope to see you this week!

The Collective Workshop

I will walk alone, by the Black muddy river and listen to the ripples as they moan I will walk alone and sing me a Song…

Like the post below, this electronic note, and note of thanks, is a bit overdue, as we were happy to teach a natty little workshop at The Collective in Benton Harbor a weekend back. I referenced The Black River above, the one of Grateful Dead lore as well as South Haven, the middle-branch of which touches the Southeast corner of The Higher Haven’s wetland area and then winds all the way to Lake Michigan, past South Haven’s South Pierhead Light, where boats come in and out the Black off the lake. That said, the River here appears to be the Paw Paw, a beautiful outdoor setting not far from Ox Creek, also cool, with a platform where some of The Collective’s classes occur. I like the idea of all the rivers in Southwest Michigan running together to the lake or sea, a good symbol for the source of the time-space continuum.

The Collective is much of the work of Adrienne White and Luke Andresen, so check them out, as they are a dynamic duo with mojo around Yoga, movement and strength training unparalleled. I was happy to visit to teach a workshop focused on Meditation + Mysticism on a gorgeous Indian Summer afternoon after what proved to be a long but negotiable election week across the U.S.. Thanks again to Adrienne and Luke as we hope to be back this Winter with a series collaboration currently in the Works. And as I looked for a background pic to go with this post — using a map image of Northern Michigan ‘though The Collective is an easy half-hour jaunt South — I thought that as the grip on the external world eases in 2021, perhaps we can take this mobile teaching on the road with some regularity.