Our Philosophy

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We protect what we are connected to.

A consequence of modern life is that nature has become abstract—something we are aware of but no longer interact with in a meaningful way. We’ve confined it to remote landscapes, zoos, parks, and documentaries, keeping it at a safe distance while relying on others to extract its benefits for us—supermarkets for food, pharmacies for medicine.

This separation is not inherently bad; we need modern infrastructure. But it creates the illusion that we are separate from nature, as though it is something to be observed rather than engaged with. Over time, this disconnect leads to misunderstanding, misuse, and neglect of natural spaces.

The truth is, humans are part of nature too. When we act as though we are outside of it, we forget our responsibility to protect and coexist with it. The best way to reestablish this relationship is through one of our most primal connections to the land: food and medicine.

By teaching people about wild foods and remedies in the places they grow, we are not encouraging exploitation—we are fostering awareness, appreciation, and responsibility. When people recognize that these landscapes sustain them, they see their protection not as an abstract cause, but as a personal duty.

Of course, misuse is always a possibility, as it is with anything. However, we believe that misuse most often stems from ignorance of regulations or a disconnection from nature—both of which we actively work to prevent. Our excursions prioritize education, ensuring participants understand the laws that protect natural spaces and the importance of responsible foraging where permitted. By fostering knowledge and connection, we help people engage with the land in ways that are ethical, sustainable, and deeply rooted in respect.

Foraging, when done responsibly, is not a threat to conservation—it is an extension of it. It reminds us that we belong to the natural world and that its well-being is directly tied to our own.

For a deeper look at our approach to responsible foraging, sustainability, and compliance with conservation regulations, see our FAQs.

The natural world includes us, but it does not revolve around us. A plant or mushroom being hazardous to humans does not strip it of its value, nor does it justify ignoring or eradicating it. To dismiss these species purely because they pose a danger to us overlooks their vital roles within the ecosystem and reinforces a human-centric worldview that treats nature as a mere resource, rather than a living, interconnected system.

Our mission is to deepen knowledge and foster respect for nature in its entirety, and in doing so come to appreciate and honour the place it has made for us. By identifying and educating about dangerous plants and mushrooms, we aim to replace ignorance with understanding. We believe that the risks of ignoring these species far outweigh the dangers they present. Respectful awareness is not only safer for us but also essential for nurturing a balanced relationship with the natural world.

At Spore & Lore Inc., we view nature as a dynamic, interconnected web of cycles—not just a series of static seasons. While traditional labels like "Spring" or "Fall" provide a general sense of time, they fail to capture the deeper rhythms of growth, decay, and renewal that define the natural world.

By aligning our excursions with the wheel of the year, we honour an ancient and mindful way of understanding these transitions. These eight seasonal markers—Ostara, Beltane, and others—celebrate the subtler shifts in the land and invite us to reflect on our place within these cycles. This approach encourages not only a connection to the earth but also a sense of reverence for the space nature makes for us within it.

Our intention is to offer a richer, more immersive experience—one that deepens your appreciation for the nuances of nature's calendar and inspires you to engage with the world around you in a more meaningful way.

At Spore & Lore Inc., we celebrate humanity's diverse traditions that honour the natural world and its cycles. The themes woven into our excursions draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including ancient European traditions often labeled as "pagan." While the term itself has complex and, at times, negative connotations, we use it here as a shorthand for practices that emphasize reverence for nature and its rhythms.

We recognize that this reverence is a universal thread, shared across many cultures worldwide, including Indigenous traditions that have stewarded and celebrated the land for millennia. Our intention is not to appropriate or simplify these traditions but to honour their wisdom and invite others to connect more deeply with the natural world.

By incorporating these elements into our work, we strive to foster a sense of mindfulness, respect, and gratitude for the cycles of life that connect us all. We welcome open dialogue and constructive feedback, as we are committed to ensuring that our approach remains respectful and inclusive of the rich diversity of human experience.