Coming up later in the program, Julianna Dailey talks with Gloria Chi, an eighth grader at Jackson Creek Middle School, who collects used coffee grounds from nearly a dozen Bloomington coffee shops through her nonprofit, Fungi For Future. She is also part of the WFHB Youth Radio program and has been very involved with environmental interviews for WFHB Community Radio.
Environmental ReportsForaging in IndianaIndiana’s landscapes offer a range of edible plants for foraging, including morels, wild raspberries, and hickory nuts. Emmitt Bog, a forager and guide from Fort Wayne, emphasizes the roots of foraging in food sovereignty and community support. Beginners are advised by Carrie Vrabel to learn plant identification step-by-step and gain skills independently. Julia Angstmann highlights the importance of understanding local foraging laws and avoiding contaminated areas, cautioning against poisonous plants like hemlock, which resembles safe species such as Queen Anne’s Lace. It is recommended to forage with experienced individuals to ensure safety and knowledge acquisition.
Foraging in Indiana ContinuedIndiana’s rich plant life supports various wildlife, prompting experts Angstmann and Vrabel to advise foragers to take only 10-20% of any plant population, except for invasive species. Spring foraging options include raspberries, blackberries, common violets (Viola sororia), cleavers (Galium aparine), and hickory bark from shagbark hickory trees (Carya ovata). Mushroom hunters can also look for dryad’s saddle (Cerioporus squamosus). Various native and nonnative mustards, like hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsute), are emerging, alongside spring ephemerals such as spring beauties (Claytonia virginica) and cutleaf toothwort (Cardamine concatenate), both fully edible. Foragers must adhere to Indiana’s laws on harvesting from state-owned lands and consult local regulations for permits to ensure habitat protection.
Forestry Funds ReturnCounties in south central Indiana, including Monroe, Brown, Jackson, and Lawrence, will receive $339,196 from the US Forest Service this year for local schools and infrastructure, due to the Secure Rural Schools program. This program helps local governments compensate for reduced tax revenue from federal land and was reauthorized in December after a two-year lapse. Funding comes from activities such as permitting, timber production, and livestock grazing.
And now for some upcoming events:* Learn about the Edible Forest at the RCA Community Park on Thursday, May 28th, from 6 to 7:30 pm. Foraging for your food can be a fun and frugal way to eat. On a 1.3 mile hike, learn what you can eat and what to avoid. Sign up at bloomington.IN.gov/parks. * Make Fire Starters at the Paynetown State Recreation Area at Monroe Lake on Friday, May 29th, from 7 to 8:30 pm. Learn about the “fire triangle” and make a fire starter to help get your campfire started. Meet at the Campground Playground. * Meet at the Waterfall at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Saturday, May 30th, from 10 to 11 am to learn about Aquatic Wildlife of the Waterfall. Meet some of the parks animal ambassadors. * Find out what a blue moon is at the Once In A Blue Moon event at Griffy Lake on Sunday, May 31st, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Watch the moon rise on this 1 mile hike. Register at bloomington.IN.gov/parks.
Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues?Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships.
To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org.