"Go Forth and Forage" brings a refreshing, down-to-earth perspective to the complex world of mycology. Written by Whitney Johnson, a beloved Appalachian educator and content creator, this guide feels less like a sterile textbook and more like a friendly invitation to walk through the woods with a seasoned expert.
What the reader gains:
Seasonal Expertise: The book is organized by season, covering everything from spring morels and woodears to summer boletes and fall lion's mane, ensuring you know exactly what to look for at any time of year.
Holistic Foraging: Johnson goes beyond basic identification. She teaches you how to read the landscape (including tree identification), understand mushroom anatomy, and master field skills—from using spore prints to choosing the right gear.
Safety and Ethics: A major focus of the book is taking the fear out of foraging. With clear identification advice and a strong emphasis on responsible, ethical harvesting, readers gain the confidence to forage safely and sustainably.
From Forest to Table: This is a true culinary resource. Johnson shares culinary preparation advice and recipes that allow you to feast on your finds, as well as instructions for creating medicinal tinctures and teas.
Authentic Voice: Written with wit, humor, and "Appalachian horse-sense," this guide makes the learning process fun and approachable, even when tackling challenging identification topics.
Whether you are a complete beginner feeling intimidated by the woods or a nature enthusiast looking to deepen your connection to the land, Go Forth and Forage provides the perfect blend of technical accuracy and folksy encouragement. It is an invitation to keep the "old ways" alive and enjoy the bounty that nature provides, all while learning from one of the most engaging voices in the modern foraging movement.
















