Welcome to the Taconic Forager!
Hello, and welcome. My name is Jim, and I'm so glad you're here.
If you're reading this, you probably feel the same pull I do. It’s that spark of curiosity when you see a strangely shaped mushroom on a trail or a patch of bright berries and wonder, "What is that?" For me, that curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for foraging for wild edible plants and mushrooms right here in the woods, fields, and forgotten corners of Rensselaer and Columbia Counties.
This blog chronicles that passion. It's where I'll share what I'm finding and learning, and the deep connection this practice gives me to the history and seasons of our beautiful home east of the Hudson.
Who Am I?
I’m not a professional botanist or a certified mycologist. I’m just a guy who has been doing this for a long time a book lover by trade and a forager. My life revolves around searching and discovering, whether it's a rare book or a flush of chanterelle mushrooms. This blog is where those two worlds meet.
What You'll Find on This Blog:
Seasonal Finds: Discover what you can responsibly forage for right now in the Taconics, from the first ramps of spring to the last of the autumn mushrooms.
Plant & Mushroom Spotlights: Deep dives into identifying and using specific species in our area.
A Forager's Trail Guide: Exploring local spots like Grafton Lakes State Park, the historic carriage roads of the Olana State Historic Site, and the breathtaking Taconic Crest Trail through the eyes of a forager.
Local History: Uncovering the stories hidden in the landscape of our two counties.
Safety & Ethics: A strong, constant focus on forage sustainably, ethically, and above all, safely.
⚠️ A FIRM & FRIENDLY SAFETY WARNING
This is the most important part of this blog. I am a passionate, self-taught forager but not a certified expert. The information I share is for educational purposes only. Please use it as a research starting point, not a definitive guide.
Your safety is your responsibility. Never pick or consume any wild plant or mushroom based on information from this website alone. You must consult a trusted, local expert for 100% identification. Misidentification can have serious or fatal consequences, and I cannot be held liable for your actions.
Thank you for reading this. The trails of the Taconics are calling.
Happy and safe foraging,
Jim
