When: April 11, 2025 @ 5:00 pm

Learn about the edible and medicinal properties of the plants and mushrooms that live alongside us!
Join Conservation Outreach Director Skye for this gentle 2 hour hike along the lower Forest Therapy Trail at Pinnacle Park, where we will meet and learn about the edible plants and mushrooms we encounter along the way. We will 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 geared towards beginner foragers or those interested in foraging who are looking for a place to start, but is open to nature lovers, hikers, and chefs of all knowledge and skill levels.
Note that Skye does not hold a foraging license or certificate, and information shared during this event is intended as hobby knowledge only, not medical advice. Always confirm your identification and preparation with multiple peer-reviewed sources before consuming wild-foraged goods. For those seeking more in-depth knowledge, we suggest contacting Wildcraft Kitchen.
The Forest Therapy Trail at Pinnacle Park is about 1 mile long and ranked as moderate. There are roots and rocks in the trail to avoid, and we will descend down a steeper section with loose rock for the final portion of the hike. We will meet in the parking lot of Pinnacle Park (end of Fischer Creek Rd) in Sylva just before 5:00pm on Friday, April 11th. See map below for exact location. 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 foraging on Mainspring Conservation Trust properties is by permission only.
This event is donation-based, suggested donation is $10 for non-student participants. Donations can be made online (select “Upcoming Event” from the drop-down menu), or through cash or check at the event. Please give what you can, but not more than you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy!
Space is limited, so fill out the form below to register then grab your notebook and prepare for a fun evening of learning about the edible biodiversity that can be found here in the mountains!
This event is weather dependent. Please leave pets at home. Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions.
MEET YOUR TEACHER
As Mainspring’s Conservation 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 her local 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 creatures that call the Southern Appalachians home.