Photo credit: S. Wingard, C. 1982
Ned Smith
Most known for his work for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and book, Gone for the Day, Ned Smith was a wildlife artist and naturalist. He was also a writer, photographer, naturalist, devoted husband, clarinet player, mentor and - most importantly for why you are likely here - a fellow fungi enthusiast! Read more about Ned here.
The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
After Ned's passing in 1985, his memory lived on in those who knew and loved him. This love grew into a physical and symbolic representation of his legacy, the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. Established in 1993 in Ned's hometown of Millersburg, PA, the Center has become a cornerstone for environmental education and arts appreciation in the community. You can read more about the Center's history and current activities here.
Gone for the Day
Photos and excerpts from Ned's journals
"May 10: Picked a mess of thick-stemmed morels in an old apple orchard today, in my estimation one of the best flavored of all wild mushrooms and perfect when sauteed in a little butter. The less delicately flavored species such as the conic morels are good when split and stuffed with the same hamburg mixture you'd use to stuff green peppers. Smear them generously with butter and bake in a cast-iron skillet. Lip-smackin' good!"
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-Gone for the Day
"August 14: The bands along our mountain roads are flecked with the squatty, snow-white mushrooms known as the peppery lactarius. Years ago I learned the appropriateness of its name by touching my tongue to a drop of the milky juice that oozes from breaks in its gills. Today a friend insisted on learning the same way, and lapped up a big drop of the fiery stuff. There was a slight delay...Then an incredulous look flashed across his face, and copious expectorating...A fervent "Wow" was his only comment, but it spoke volumes. "
"August 14: The bands along our mountain roads are flecked with the squatty, snow-white mushrooms known as the peppery lactarius. Years ago I learned the appropriateness of its name by touching my tongue to a drop of the milky juice that oozes from breaks in its gills. Today a friend insisted on learning the same way, and lapped up a big drop of the fiery stuff. There was a slight delay...Then an incredulous look flashed across his face, and copious expectorating...A fervent "Wow" was his only comment, but it spoke volumes. "
