Foraged In Suches, Georgia
"The Valley Above the Clouds"
Mushrooms
IncrEdible
Edible
706-973-1417
Can't make it to the Cleanup, but want to help out? Please support our efforts with a donation.
Join us for our Annual Coopers Creek Cleanup
on Saturday, November 12th @ 10:00 am!
We'll meet at the WMA sign on Cooper Creek, just off of Wolf Pen Gap Road (Hwy 180).
CLICK MAP FOR DIRECTIONS
CONTACT FORM
A Selection of Fine Fungi Products is coming in 2023!
STAY TUNED!
PRODUCTS
ABOUT ME
It seems that mushrooms have always played a role in my life. The kitchen of my childhood home was decorated in mushrooms, from the curtains, dishes and towels, to the cabinet doors and drawer knobs. My dad was a native plant enthusiast. He would take us on nature walks and teach us how to use his Audubon manual to learn the names of the native plants and flowers. My mom was into healthy food and a natural lifestyle before it was cool. When we were sick, she was always dosing us with herbs and such, something that I would not come to appreciate for many years. Even though a lot of what she had instilled in me influenced my health choices, as years passed and life happened, I slowly steered more towards the quick and easy (unhealthy) lifestyle - One that is well accepted by our society. In doing so, I lost touch with a lot of that knowledge my parents had given me.
That all changed a few years ago, when I was faced with some health issues which scared me. So, I decided to reintroduce into my life habits which included a natural diet and a more healthy lifestyle. I felt very fortunate to have been taught them in the first place, and it was also a fitting tribute to my parents. I made dramatic changes to my diet and added herbal and natural treatments. Did you know that the sun is medicine?! Most of my symptoms immediately vanished. I started feeling better, and since you look how you feel.. I couldn't help but notice that my skin was glowing, I looked better than had in years and most importantly, I felt amazing!
To further my experiment, I grabbed a native plant book and hit the woods to explore (another powerful therapy all on its own). As I started to refamiliarize myself with the names of the native plants from my childhood, and some new and non-native ones, something cool happened on my adventures. Mushrooms were speaking to me! "Hey!", "Look at Me!", "I'm a Mushroom!" I had no choice but to take notice. I began to dive into mushroom research and started taking some of the tinctures and teas myself. The results were astounding! Before long, I was foraging my own wild medicinal and edible mushroom varieties. My husband became addicted to having mushrooms at every meal. Since he primarily removes dead and dying trees for a living with his tree service company, and that’s the prime location for our mushroom gold, it was a partnership made in mushroom heaven... (OR In Mother Nature's Heaven).
Recently I decided to share my love for this craft, with the hope it can change the lives of others as it has my own. I've been foraging and eating wild foods and making medicine for several years. I am also now certified in multiple states to sell mushrooms and other related products. I will be leading some guided walks beginning in the early fall, and will have medicinal and culinary products for purchase late fall 2022. In addition, I do mushroom art and plan to have some of those pieces available for purchase on the page very soon. I am very excited to share my knowledge about Incredible Edible Mushrooms, and to open hearts and minds to be nurtured by nature - exactly as it was intended.
BRANDY MARTIN
MEDIA LIBRARY
© 2022 - By Welcome Technology
FORAGE WALKS
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20 US dollars
Coupon: Use FALL15 to get $15 OFF a Forage Walk!
Forage Walks will take place primarily in Suches, GA and the surrounding areas ( Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, Cleveland and Blairsville). Walks average an hour and a half in length, plus drive time to the trail(s). Forage and meet locations are determined at booking based on group type, and where you will be coming from. We generally have options, just let me know the type of walk that would be most enjoyable for your group. Arrangements can be made for most situations.
You will learn about multiple plant and fungi species, which will differ depending on the season and recent weather conditions. The typical prime season for fungi foraging in our mountain region is from mid-June through mid-November. Our goal is to sustainably forage enough wild food finds for all on the walk to take some home and enjoy a taste of our incrEdible Earth!
You will also learn how to clean and prepare the finds. The trails have amazing views of course, some with lookout areas, creeks and waterfalls! They all produce a wide array of plants and fungi. However, no guarantees can be made given the unpredictable factor of Mother Nature.
The typical charge for the walk is $40 per person, with special discounts available. Please inquire for details.
I also make house calls! We can explore your property, private properties with permission, or other legal lands together. The general cost is $50 per hour for this service.
I am fortunate to live in some of the most ancient, clean and ecologically diverse woods on our amazing planet, where organisms thrive which are endangered or extinct in other areas. Whether you live in the area or are visiting from out of town, this will be an unforgettable experience for you and your family!
See the basic foraging code below, which will be enforced. Unfortunately, if it's not respected the walk will be ended with no refund.
FORAGING CODE
Respect for nature and consideration of others, animal or human, is fundamental to sustainable and responsible foraging. Here are a few important things to note before we set out:
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WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT
Always make sure you know what you are picking BEFORE you pick it. Refer to identification books and consult with experienced foragers. NEVER consume wild food unless you are 100% sure of its identification. There are plants and fungi out there that can kill you. When in doubt, leave it out!
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HARVEST ONLY WHAT YOU NEED
Only pick from abundant populations and leave plenty behind for wildlife and others to enjoy. Over-picking is not sustainable and will impact future harvesting including your own forages in upcoming years.
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DON’T PICK RARE SPECIES
It’s illegal and unethical to pick rare species. Do not disturb them or their surroundings. There are several plant species that cannot be harvested or uprooted on public land. Always make sure to check with the appropriate authorities. Take a photo of the rare ones to appreciate and share.
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DO NOT TRESPASS
It is illegal to harvest plants and fungi in many areas. You should only forage on property that you have gained a landowner’s permission to enter.
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LEAVE NO TRACE
Take every precaution to leave nothing behind and respect nature. Minimize damage to habitats and all species, avoid unnecessary tromping and digging. Do not harass ANY wildlife.
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BEWARE OF POLLUTED PLACES
Be mindful of where you harvest wild food. Avoid busy roadsides, dog walking areas and agricultural land that may be sprayed with herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers - particularly golf courses. Do not pick plants or fungi growing near polluted water sources.
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BE CAUTIOUS WHEN TRYING NEW WILD FOODS
As with any new foods you introduce to your diet, your body may have intolerances. If wild food is new to you, try only a small amount, one species at a time is recommended. Avoid consuming wild foods that may be harmful if you have medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding.