Why are we drawn to the forest?

 

At first, I saw a TV show and thought mushroom hunting looked fun, so I went into the forest. It was just curiosity.

 

Every time I found a mushroom, I was moved and delighted. I also learned that there are so many edible mushrooms out there that I didn’t know about.

 

But I felt like the forest’s appeal wasn’t limited to that.

 

When summer comes, we head into the forest.

 

It’s quiet in the forest, and you never know where the mushrooms are. And you never know if they might be poisonous.

 

We met people who could identify mushrooms for us. They’ve been watching over the forest and those who forage for mushrooms there for generations. To us, they’re our forest guides. Every year we visit, they teach us a little more about the mountains, the forest, and mushrooms.

 

We formed a team called the Mush Crew and started searching for mushrooms on our own.

 

​Before we knew it, we’d been visiting the forest for over 10 years, and we’d developed the ability to find mushrooms on our own. We’ve also gradually come to understand when and where mushrooms tend to grow.

 

​Perhaps through mushroom hunting, we are having a conversation with the forest.

 

​I don’t know why, but I feel as if the forest is calling to us.

 

​The forest is quiet; though we hear the sounds of birds and insects, it silently watches over our every move.

 

It’s cool, comfortable, and filled with fresh oxygen.

 

Taking a nap on the moss feels wonderful.

 

Mush Crew is still out in the forest.

 

Perhaps the forest is waiting for people to return to nature.

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