Foragers are making sure to collect what Mother Nature gives this fall off of the floor of Leelanau forests.
Empire Township residents Pete and Marilyn Edwards once met while crossing paths on a hike. Pete and Marilyn hike nearly everyday since then by exploring the deep forests within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or elsewhere in Leelanau County sharing their love of the outdoors.
“It’s been a weird summer for foraging because of the lack or rain,” Pete Edwards said while thinking of the autumn berries located at the end of his driveway.
Edwards is optimistic recent rainy days have made the forest floor come alive.
Edwards has been taking the path less traveled when foraging due to more traffic even on lesser-known trails in the Empire area.
A lover of hiking barefoot, Edwards, is traversing the two tracks of former lumber roads, along with every ridge, looking for wild berries and mushrooms.
“I almost got enough blackberries to make a pie,” he said.
Typically, he is lucky to find a couple cups of various wild berries.
As the season transitions from summer to fall, the cool, crisp air and the changing colors of the leaves create a perfect backdrop for foraging adventures. Among the most sought-after finds are mushrooms like chanterelles, hen of the woods, and oyster mushrooms, which thrive in the damp, wooded areas of Leelanau.
Raspberries and late-season blackberries can still be found, while elderberries and wild grapes can be spotted. Acorns are also abundant and can be processed into flour for baking.
Edwards also uses his foraging time as a chance to connect with nature, along with his love of helping people get outside.
Edwards’ business, Skiwalking, LLC is North America’s only source for onepiece Nordic Walking Poles.
Edwards has helped countless Americans get off the couch, successfully getting outside, and walking safely.
According to Edwards, nordic walking poles are helping individuals not only with balance, knee, hip or back issues but also with multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, bursitis, scoliosis, lumbar stenosis, fibromyalgia, stroke and cancer recovery and other limitations to walking.
Edwards notes that one-piece walking poles are way better than the two-piece poles that are common in retailers.
Edwards recommends one-piece poles because they won’t collapse unexpectedly. One-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than adjusting, telescoping/collapsible poles that are mainly made in China, according to Edwards.
Edwards has been coaching runners and skiers of all ages and fitness levels for over 40 years. He is a former ski school director, ski coach, running coach and the owner/founder/coach of the American Nordic Walking System and Skiwalking.com headquartered in Empire.
