History
We are a passionate group of wild food foragers who hunt, fish, and search for wild foods. In 2023, we came together to collaborate on a day-long event to celebrate and educate wild foods. We will share our knowledge and curate presentations, experiences, and vendors to provide a broad base of knowledge that both green and grizzled foragers will enjoy. Many of us are experienced at bringing people together to learn, and we hope to create an educational and fun experience that becomes an annual celebration of regional wild foods.
Mission
Our mission is to inspire a love of wild food and provide the education and skills to enjoy wild food safely and sustainably.
About the Park
We chose Punderson State Park as a location because it has a diverse landscape and is centrally located to NE Ohio. The 741-acres public recreation area features a 150-acre lake and a lodge that enjoys a reputation for being haunted. The state park provides many areas to explore and learn about wild food. According to their website, the landscape at the park was shaped by the last glacier in Ohio. Punderson Lake is a kettle lake, made by the glacier as it scraped across the area. Punderson State Park provides an excellent destination for enjoying wild food adventures.
Plan Your Visit
We will hold the fest whether it rains or shines, so be prepared. Facing the elements is part of the hunt for wild foods, and though rain may not be ideal, being outdoors means being prepared for the unexpected. Here are some suggestions:
- bring a hat, rain gear, water resistant boots, wear layers
- bring food and water for the day
- bring money for vendors and food trucks
- don’t forget medications and other-the-counter products, first aid
- be prepared for insects and poison ivy
- bring whatever helps you learn and retain information, notebooks, camera, field guides
- baskets for mushrooms
- NOTE – plant foraging is not allowed in state parks, please take photos only
Lodging
- Punderson State Park Campground – Click the link to reserve a campsite or call (866) 644-6727. Camp sites on May 18 are very limited due to renovations, so reserve your space now. And consider reserving your campsite for the main event ahead of time.
- Punderson Lodge and Cabins
- West Branch State Park Campground
- Ten Hotels nearby by TripAdvisor
Maps
Check out this downloadable map with an orange star to indicate where you will find us at the park.
Directions
From I-90 take exit 200 onto SR-44 south toward Chardon. After 1.8 miles turn right on Girdled Rd. Then make an immediate left on Auburn Rd. Go 13 miles then turn left on Kinsman Rd. After 1.3 miles, make a right into the park. You’ll be on W.B. Cleveland Dr. heading south then make a left on Pennywort Dr. and another left on Old Interurban Dr. There is a parking lot near the Picnic Shelter, which will be our home base.
Accessibility
From a big picture perspective, increasing access to wild food means providing education about procuring wild foods, improving access to resources for people of different backgrounds, and creating and supporting marketplaces to diverse populations.
On the ground it means being prepared for the outdoors, which will include uneven terrain.