
Appalachian Forager, Whitney Johnson, is a full-time forager, content creator, and Appalachian ambassador. With over 1 million followers across her social media, she has used her platform to shine a lovin' light on Appalachia and to teach the world how to be more self-sufficient while responsibly utilizing the goodies that Momma Nature provides.
Born and raised in eastern Kentucky, Whitney developed a passion for all things outdoors as a young holler baby. Foraging is her forte, especially mushroom hunting, but she does not discriminate against any wild edibles. She also picks plants and herbs to wildcraft a plethora of skincare and wellness products. She fishes. She hikes. She gardens. She cooks like your mamaw. She is a proud Appalachian spreading the love and wondrous things the region has to offer via her down-to-earth, educational, and quirky videos on TikTok (@appalachian_forager), Instagram (@appalachian_forager), and Facebook (Appalachian Forager). Whitney continues to be a hillbilly force to be reckoned with; spreadin' pride for her region, preachin' girl power, all while keepin' the old ways alive...with a dash of humor.
Go Forth and Forage is the essential guide for foraging mushrooms in Appalachia. It covers all the basics of identification, safety, and responsibility while steeped in the down-home country charm that has made Whitney such a resounding success on social media. The book is filled with beautiful photos, great descriptions, delicious recipes, and humorous anecdotes. This book is a must have for prospective foragers and nature enthusiasts.
--Dr. Gordon Walker, @FascinatedByFungi and author of Passport to Kingdom FungiWhitney has taken the infinitely complex subject of identifying mushrooms, and made it approachable and straightforward with her easy Appalachian sensibility, wit and charm that comes through in everything she shares. This is beyond a great mushroom foraging guide and recipe collection, it is an invitation into her holler and stomping grounds, a seat at her table, and an offering of delicious proportions.
--Tara Lanich-LaBrie, founder of The Medicine Circle and author of Foraged & GrownWritten in a fun and lively style, Go Forth and Forage empowers you to confidently identify and harvest dozens of wild mushrooms. With beautiful photographs, engaging commentary, and helpful tips, this book is an excellent resource for aspiring mushroom hunters and nature enthusiasts
--Adam Haritan, Learn Your LandThis book is a hilarious companion for the myco-curious, full of the sort of folksy friendliness and Appalachian horse-sense that put Whitney on the map in the first place. An encouraging guide that leads you through the challenging parts of foraging, instead of around them.
--Gabrielle Cerberville, @chaoticforagerThis book is fun look into foraging and mushroom identification written in the words of an engaging and authentic creator. A must for any enthusiast or beginner.
--Elizabeth Burdock, AKA Whichbetty