When the North Smithfield Heritage Association (NSHA) posted about hosting a foraging hike with The Honey Shop, we were instantly intrigued. Check out the description of the event and see why: 

Embark on a fascinating journey through the hidden wonders of the forest in our mushroom foraging class where discovery awaits at every turn. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of nature’s bounty, learning to identify not just mushrooms but also a plethora of edible plants, berries, and medicinal treasures that flourish within the woodland embrace.

Under the dappled canopy, we’ll unravel the secrets of the forest floor, uncovering an array of mushrooms with unique shapes, colors, and flavors waiting to be discovered. As we wander through the lush undergrowth, you’ll learn to distinguish between the select edibles and the mysterious fungi best left untouched. 

But our exploration doesn’t stop there – immerse yourself in the aromatic scents of wild herbs, the vibrant hues of ripe berries, and the healing properties of medicinal plants that have been used for centuries. Expand your knowledge of nature’s pharmacy and forge a deeper connection with the earth as you discover the rich tapestry of flora that surrounds us.

Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a curious novice, this class offers a blend of adventure, education, and appreciation for the natural world. Come with an open mind and a spirit of exploration as we venture into the heart of the forest to uncover its hidden treasures. 

The Saturday morning hike attracted a dozen participants eager for the foraging journey. Rich Keene from the NSHA selected the Wunnashowatuckqut Conservation Area off E. Harkness Road for the excursion. Kathy from The Honey Shop was our foraging guide and talked about the health benefits of foraging. While most things she finds are organic, she noted being mindful of possible contamination on the site and finding the cleanest area for foraging. 

Before we headed out, she cautioned us about taking photos of everything we would find so that we would not later confuse anything poisonous as edible. One participant remedied that and took photos with a thumbs up or thumbs down. 

Kathy was an expert guide. She stopped at every mushroom we spotted and took the time to explain its features and pointers on why certain mushrooms were not edible. One tip was that anything with a bulb underground is not edible. 

Mushrooms that made it into her basket included Corrugated Milky, Leather Back, Old Man of the Woods, Cinnabar Chanterelle, and Chicken of the Woods. We spotted Crown-Tipped Coral off the trail, but it was not harvested. 

When doing group hikes like this, you learn a lot from the participants. Many had experience foraging with other groups and had a familiarity with what we found, yet still had questions that Kathy was happy to answer. 

One participant shared, “I just like touching mushrooms. It’s a way of connecting with the earth.” She also shared the name of a mushroom expert that she refers to on YouTube, Adam Harrington of Learn Your Land. Several on the hike spoke highly of him as a trusted resource. 

We quickly learned how important it is to know your mushrooms. The best advice if you plan to explore is to go with someone knowledgeable and consult resource guides. 

Kathy is hosting another foraging hike on Sunday, July 21, and again on Sunday, August 25. Find info on The Honey Shop’s Facebook page. Save the date of Sunday, September 8, when the Daniels Farmstead Farmers Market hosts the Boston Mycological Club for its annual Mushroom Walk from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Looking for more fun things to do in the Blackstone Valley? Be sure to check out our Community Calendar!