Mike retired from 35 years of teaching seventh grade science in Iowa and Michigan, much to the chagrin of parents who were hoping their son or daughter would have him for a teacher. A naturalist and nature center director before becoming a teacher, Mike was famous for getting kids outdoors, and for teaching science research skills by experimenting with wild foods. Honors include Michigan Science Teacher of the Year, Michigan Environmental Educator of the Year, Keokuk (Iowa) Teacher of the Year, and being inducted into the National Wild Foods Association Hall of Fame. He has served as vice president and newsletter editor of Iowa’s Prairie States Mushroom Club and is an occasional contributor to the Iowa Outdoors magazine. Mike is well known in the Midwest Wild Edibles & Foragers Society, a Facebook group, where he answers questions, identifies plants and mushrooms, and provides experienced-based insights on harvesting, processing, preparing, and storing edible wild plants.