Gather ’Round

Finding and identifying forage-worthy plants is even more fun when it’s a group effort. These local support systems provide valuable information and resources with a “the more, the merrier” approach.
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Illustration by Claire Harrup

WILD EDIBLE INDIANA
Led by experienced forager Carrie Vrabel, who is certified as a Wild Mushroom identification expert by the state of Indiana and the state of Michigan, this group exists mainly as an online hivemind resource, but it also offers scheduled in-person foraging classes and nature walks.

PERSIMMON HERB SCHOOL 
From their food forest between Irvington and Beech Grove, founders Greg Monzel and Colleen Donahoe share their “commitment to ecological peace and balance” through classes, workshops, and community events.

INDIANA HERBAL CENTER 
Located in Bloomington, this “gathering place for those who wish to reconnect to the ancient use of plants as medicine” offers classes and workshops in the form of Plant as Portal Herbal Apprenticeships.