Yellow Elanor: Of Motherhood & Mushrooms

Mother’s Day & The Mushroom Hunter’s Legacy

Some stories are worth revisiting—especially when they continue to grow, just like the people within them.

For this Mother’s Day feature, we reconnected with Rachel, a mushroom hunter who goes by the name Yellow Elanor we had covered in the past, but this time, the focus wasn’t just on her craft—it was on how it intertwined with her role as a mother.

Her journey into foraging wasn’t just about discovering edible treasures in the woods; it was about connection—to nature, to tradition, and most importantly, to her children. Through her eyes, mushroom hunting became more than a hobby. It became a way to teach her kids about the intricate web of life, how everything is connected, and how the forest isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to understand.

But beyond knowledge, she wanted them to experience something deeper: a sense of accomplishment. The joy of recognizing a hidden morel or a perfect chanterelle, the pride of bringing it home, and the simple but profound feeling of being able to provide.

Her story became a reflection of what it means to be a mother—to nurture curiosity, to pass down wisdom, and to prepare the next generation to see the world not just as it is, but as something they are a part of.

This Mother’s Day, her story wasn’t just about mushrooms. It was about legacy, love, and the lessons we pass down—one foraged meal at a time.