Some of my favorite memories don’t come from big events or special occasions. They come from quiet walks in the woods. The sound of leaves underfoot. The smell of damp earth after a fall rain. The slow careful scanning of the forest floor for something small and extraordinary. Mushroom hunting has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it has shaped not only how I spend my time but how I stay connected to my family and our traditions.
A Tradition Passed Down
Mushroom hunting in our family goes back decades. My grandmother was the one who started it all. She taught her children, my aunts, uncles, and my mom, how to forage safely and respectfully. She taught them what to look for, what to avoid, and how to move through the woods with patience and awareness. That knowledge was then passed down to the next generation and now to the one after that.
I feel incredibly grateful to be part of something that has been shared and protected for so long. This is not something you learn from a book or a quick online search. It’s learned through time, repetition, and trust. It’s learned by listening closely and paying attention. Every generation adds to the knowledge while honoring what came before.
Learning in the Woods
Today, my husband and I regularly go mushroom hunting with my uncle. Those hikes are some of my favorite moments of the year. There’s something special about walking side by side with family members who know the land so well. My uncle has taught us about dozens of mushroom varieties native to Pennsylvania. We talk about where they grow, what trees they like, and how weather conditions affect them.
Mushroom hunting forces you to slow down. You can’t rush through the woods if you want to find anything. You need patience and focus. You need to notice small changes in color and texture. That quiet attention creates space for conversation and connection. Some of our best talks happen while we’re searching the forest floor.
The Joy of the Find
Every mushroom hunter knows the excitement of a good find. One of our favorite mushrooms to look for is the honey mushroom, also known as stumpies. They grow on decaying tree stumps and often appear in clusters. When you spot them, it feels like a little reward from the forest.
I still remember a recent hunt where I also found a lion’s mane mushroom. That was a big find for me. It felt like a small victory earned through patience and persistence. Moments like that remind me why I love foraging. It’s not just about what you bring home. It’s about the experience of discovering something together.
Respect for the Land
One of the most important lessons passed down through our family is respect for nature. We don’t take more than we need. We leave areas undisturbed when necessary. We understand that foraging is a relationship with the land, not a transaction.
That mindset has stayed with me in other areas of life. Just as we care for the forest, we care for our community and our homes. You don’t rush what needs time. You don’t strip something of its value for quick gain. You approach it with care and gratitude.
From Basket to Kitchen
The journey doesn’t end in the woods. It continues in the kitchen. One of the most meaningful traditions tied to mushroom hunting is how we use honey mushrooms to make a special mushroom gravy for Vilija. Vilija is our traditional Ukrainian and Eastern European Christmas Eve dinner. It is meatless and shared with extended family every year.
That mushroom gravy is not just a dish. It’s a symbol. Every time we prepare it, we’re honoring my grandmother and everyone who came before us. We’re remembering the hikes, the lessons, and the care that went into gathering those mushrooms. Sitting around the table on Christmas Eve, sharing that meal, feels like a full circle moment. The forest floor meets the family table.
Why It Matters
In a world that moves fast, traditions like this keep us grounded. Mushroom hunting connects us to the seasons. It connects us to the land. Most importantly, it connects us to each other. It reminds us that some of the most meaningful experiences are simple and shared.
For my family, foraging is not about trends or novelty. It’s about continuity. It’s about showing up year after year and passing knowledge forward. It’s about teaching patience, awareness, and respect. Those values matter far beyond the woods.
Lessons That Last
Mushroom hunting has taught me to trust experience, to slow down, and to appreciate the process. It has taught me that knowledge grows when it’s shared and that traditions survive when they are practiced with intention.
I see parallels between foraging and other parts of my life. Restoring homes, raising a family, and building community all require the same qualities. You observe carefully. You respect what’s already there. You take your time and you do things the right way.
Bigger Than Us
Every fall, when I step into the woods with my husband and uncle, I feel connected to something much bigger than myself. I feel my grandmother’s presence in the lessons she passed down. I feel gratitude for the land and for the time we spend together.
When we later sit around the table on Christmas Eve and share that mushroom gravy during Vilija, I’m reminded that traditions don’t survive by accident. They survive because people choose to carry them forward. For me, mushroom hunting is not just a hobby. It’s a way of honoring the past, nurturing the present, and passing something meaningful on to the future.