Friendly Foragers
Free guided walks to learn Indiana's wild mushrooms and plants
Friendly Foragers is a collaborative activity between the Center for Mushroom Understanding, Science, and Health (CMUSH) and NourishCap.
Before your first walk
Please read the full details and sign the waiver on the NourishCap Friendly Foragers page. We add you to our email list after you sign, so you will hear about date changes and updates.
Read the details and sign the waiverWhen
Sundays at 1 pm Eastern, starting November 8, without snow or severe weather. There is no walk on Thursday, November 5. Walks last about 1 to 2 hours. Please confirm the date and time before every walk.
Where
Meet outside by the awning at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N Main St, North Webster, IN 46555. We then caravan or carpool to the nearby Tri-County Fish & Wildlife Area, where foraging is permitted.
Who
Everyone is welcome, from total beginners to experienced foragers. Expect uneven, sometimes difficult terrain, often off-trail. Walks are led by Ben Ashpole, a lifelong forager with certifications covering 15 mushroom species.
Price
Free!
What to wear and bring
- At least one bright "hunter orange" item, such as a hat, shirt, coat, or backpack
- Shoes that can handle mud, plus long pants and sleeves in light layers
- A phone or camera for photos of your finds
- A non-alcoholic drink and a bag for any trash you make or find
Safety basics
- Stay within sight of the group leader at all times.
- Never eat anything unless an expert identifies it for you, every time.
- Always cook foraged mushrooms. Never eat them raw.
- The full safety guidelines and packing list are on the NourishCap Friendly Foragers page.
