About the Speakers:
Rachel Acuna-Narvaez, panel moderator – Rachel fell in love with foraging when she made a partial move to Yachats in 2018 and spied her first chanterelle on the Gwynn Creek trail. A complete newbie when she started, she turned to the more experienced Lincoln County Mycological Society members to learn the ropes. Her foraging now happens year round with shellfish, berries, and mushrooms landing on her plate and in her tummy.
Shelby Vagg – With a scientific and analytical background, Shelby embarked on a journey from high-tech to regenerative agriculture. In doing so her fascination for healthy microbiology in the soil led her to recently join a mushroom foraging group. Here she is beginning to learn how to identify mushrooms that are safe to eat, and how to forage for them. Shelby says her favorite foods are mushrooms and chocolate, but not at the same time.
Scott Bradley – I have been a hunter/gatherer since I was a toddler and pill bugs had to be pried from my hands as I slept. Foraging for mushrooms is but an extension of this life-long passion. And how better to enjoy the peace of the forest and get the exercise this aging body requires? And yes, they are a treat to eat and pleasure to share with those who appreciate them even more than I.
Phil Lamberson – Born in Oregon; Boy Scout; swimmer; too many science degrees; 40 years working as a land surveyor, mostly in the woods. Amateur mushroom collector since about 1982, as a member of Lincoln County Mycological Society. Likes entertaining himself by following his nose around the yard.