When: April 18, 2026 @ 9:00 am
Learn about the edible and medicinal properties of the plants and mushrooms that live alongside us!
Join Outreach Director Skye for this gentle and educational walk along the Jackson County Greenway. As we ramble, we will meet and learn about the edible plants and mushrooms that we encounter along the way. We’ll discuss identification techniques, cooking methods, foraging ethics, and medicinal preparations, leaving time to admire the non-edible plants and mushrooms as well! This event is open to foragers, nature lovers, hikers, and chefs of all knowledge and skill levels. Note that Skye does not hold a commercial foraging license, and any information shared during this workshop is considered hobby knowledge only. Always consult experts and verified sources before consuming any wild forgeables.
We’ll meet at the trailhead of the Jackson County Greenway just before 9:00am on Saturday, April 18th. See the map below for exact location. The walk will take about three hours. The Greenway is a flat, paved, ADA-accessible path, including handicap parking spots. We suggest bringing water, a snack, layers, sturdy hiking shoes, and any naturalist tools you may want such as a notebook or a hand lens. Please note that we will not be harvesting anything during this walk, and plant collection is not allowed on the Greenway. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead.
This event is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $15. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but please give what you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy! Donations can be made online (select “upcoming event” from the dropdown box), or by cash or check at the event.
This event is weather-dependent. Please leave pets at home. Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions.
Meet your forager!
As Mainspring’s Outreach Director, Skye Cahoon inspires people to connect with their local landscape and value the conservation efforts that protect it. As a kid, she could often be found climbing trees, hunting for salamanders, or chasing fish at the swimming hole. Her passion for nature grew with her, and in 2020 she earned her Zoology B.S. from the University of Maine. Integrating her experience in wildlife research with her excitement about the natural world, Skye now strives to make science fun and accessible. She leads a variety of educational programs here at Mainspring, and enjoys continuing to learn about the diverse and fascinating creatures that call the Southern Appalachians home.
Please treat your registration as a formal ticket. Read this event description thoroughly and ensure that the date, time, and location work for your schedule. We monitor event sign-ups, and restrict group size to ensure you have a quality experience out in the woods with us. If you register and can no longer attend, email Skye at [email protected]. Thank you!
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