This week Chris fills in for Laurel with a wonderful conversation with Catskills-based forager, craftsperson and educator Renee Baumann (@renee_makes_things). We discuss the bounty of the season, from invasive-but-delicious black locust blossoms to the banner morel season we're having in the region. Between exploring the novel flavors of wild foods as a chef, to acquainting herself with dozens of edible mushrooms through meticulous watercolors, to exploring the wide world of fiber arts through felting and basketry with natural, locally-sourced materials, Renee has gathered an impressive array of knowledge about working with plants and fungi. We talk about what "an Honorable Harvest" means to her, as well as why she would always rather teach than horde her expertise.

To learn more about (and from!) Renee, check our her offerings and jump on the mailing list here:

https://www.instagram.com/renee_makes_things/

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Renee Baumann is a Catskills-based designer, chef, and nature enthusiast with a passion for wild plants and fungi. Trained as both an architect and a chef, she brings a creative, interdisciplinary flair to everything she does, whether she’s crafting baskets from local plants, illustrating mushrooms in watercolor, or whipping up delicious meals from foraged ingredients. Renee teaches workshops and techniques working with local fibers, with an emphasis on creating three dimensional forms from bioregional components. Her work varies from traditional basketry practices in cattail and willow to sculptural felt and spinning foraged fibers. Renee teaches workshops on identifying, cooking with, and even weaving with plants and fungi growing in the Catskills.