Grace Sommers is a forager and naturalist living in Minneapolis. She received her bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences with a concentration in biochemistry from Minerva University, where she took a number of classes on the science of learning. After graduating she completed a year-and-a-half long fellowship in environmental education. She is broadly interested in mycology, ecology and evolution, which she plans to be the focus of her graduate degree.
Graces’ goal from the Young Voices program was to “become a more effective storyteller to increase engagement with mycology and overcome the mycophobia (fear of fungi) that is pervasive across the U.S. I believe that by increasing awareness and care for fungi in the general public and in policymakers, we will be better able to address issues of biodiversity loss and ecosystem conservation.”
Following this vision, Grace decided to accomplish this goal by writing an op-ed for the Minnesota Star Tribune entitled: “Partnering with Minnesota’s foragers is essential to creating sustainable regulations.”
In this op-ed, Grace not only proposes a more sustainable approach to Minnesota’s current foraging regulations, but also describes the joy that comes from engaging with the natural world by way of foraging: “The joy of finding these natural gifts not only directly connects us to the forest through the nutrients we gain, but also builds a sense of responsibility to take care of these spaces so they can continue to nourish us.” You can read Grace’s full article HERE.
