BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Blaine-native Whitney Johnson, known online as the Appalachian Forager, recently graced the screens of Kentucky Educational Television (KET) on their popular agricultural program “The Farmer and the Foodie.” The episode, which aired Jan. 13 and can be viewed on KET’s website, saw Johnson join hosts Maggie Keith and Lindsey McClave in a journey through Kentucky’s lush forests, unearthing the secrets of wild mushrooms and foraging traditions deep-rooted in Appalachian culture.

Johnson is based in Lawrence County and has amassed a large online following for her content revolving around foraging and wildcrafting in Appalachian forests.

“The Farmer and the Foodie,” lauded for its celebration of regional food traditions and fresh, local ingredients, found a kindred spirit in Johnson. As someone deeply connected to the land and its bounty, her expertise in foraging provided a unique perspective to an episode dedicated to exploring the world of wild and cultivated mushrooms.

Johnson’s appearance on the show gave viewers an immersive experience that encapsulated the essence of Appalachian foraging.

 “Filming was such a fun experience,” she recalled, reflecting on an adventure through some of eastern Kentucky’s untamed paths.

“Lindsey and Maggie were sweet as pie, all the crew was amazing, and we had a big ol’ time, even if I did lead them through mud holes and steep inclines with all their heavy filming equipment.”

From a young age, Johnson’s life has been intertwined with the great outdoors of Eastern Kentucky.

“As a young holler baby, you could not keep me in the trailer,” she reminisced.

Johnson’s journey from a mud pie maker and nature enthusiast to a revered forager is a testament to her profound connection with nature and her insatiable curiosity.

“I didn’t become a full-fledged forager until a little later in my life. It was around my sophomore year of college when I really started noticing mushrooms,” Johnson explained that mushrooms were her way into the wild world of foraging.

Today, she is not just a forager but an educator, guiding others through the intricate world of mushroom and plant identification and wildcrafting.

For those new to the art of foraging, Johnson offers sage advice, encouraging patience, practice, and a healthy dose of fun. She emphasizes the importance of reliable resources, like regional field guides, and a cautious approach to ensure safety in foraging adventures.

“Please don’t eat anything you’re not 110% sure is an edible mushroom/plant,” she cautioned, underscoring the importance of knowledge and certainty in the wild. “Once I became comfortable with mushroom identification, I started working on my plant identification skills. All of this sparked a love and interest in wildcrafting, which is where I make food and wellness products out of my foraged finds.”

Looking ahead, Johnson’s vision for the Appalachian Forager platform and the broader foraging movement is one of growth, education and preservation. She aspires to continue spreading awareness about the wealth of wild food and medicine available in nature, advocating for responsible and ethical foraging practices to protect our planet’s beauty and health. Her platform is more than just a guide to foraging; it’s a beacon of inspiration, urging everyone to reconnect with nature and appreciate the abundant gifts it offers.

“I want to continue to shine a lovin’ light on the Appalachian region and show the world how great of a place it is and all the beautiful bounty it has to offer, all while crushin’ negative stereotypes and preachin’ some girl power,” Johnson said. “I feel like foraging was a dying art not too long ago, so I am tickled to death to see it makin’ its way back around. It’s boomin’ right now. There’s so much interest in foraging on my pages from folks both young and old, and I love to see it. I aim to keep those old Appalachian ways alive and well through my content as long as people will have me.”

As the foraging movement experiences a renaissance, Johnson stands at the forefront, championing the rich heritage of Appalachia and its natural splendors. With her infectious enthusiasm and intricate knowledge of the land, she is not just keeping the ancient art of foraging alive but breathing new life into it, one wild mushroom, and one TV appearance, at a time.

Follow the Appalachian Forager on all major social media platforms or visit her website at https://appalachianforager.com/.