Private Woodlands (Kids 12 & Under)

This privately owned tract of land is one of the richest destinations for discovering edible and medicinal wild plants and gourmet mushrooms in the autumn season. Its diverse habitats support a remarkable variety of species, making it an ideal site for foragers of all experience levels.

Near the parking area, you will find an abundance of herbs and greens, including foxtail grass, mullein, lamb's quarters, yarrow, northern bayberry, and mugwort. Root vegetables such as wild carrots and common evening primrose may also be present in this area. Moving deeper into the woods, you will encounter valuable herbs, including sassafras and black birch.

Autumn is the peak season for white oak acorns on this property. While the shelling process requires some patience and the bitter tannin must be leached out before eating, the result is a richly flavored nut that has served as a dietary staple for Korean communities and Native Americans for centuries.

The first black walnuts of the season may already be dropping, and the group will crack these famously hard shells open using rocks, an experience in itself. Shagbark hickory trees are also present on the property, offering exceptionally sweet and flavorful nuts that can be cracked open the same way. Their limited commercial availability makes them a true foraging treasure.

The highlight of the tour, however, is often the gourmet mushroom harvest. After days of heavy rain, prized species found on past tours have included honey mushrooms, pear-shaped puffballs, chicken mushrooms, hen-of-the-woods (maitake), and oyster mushrooms in substantial quantities. A short distance from the private woodlands, the group may also encounter an abundance of wild leek (ramp) bulbs with their unmistakably pungent aroma.