Wildcrafted: Trinity County

Wildcrafted: Trinity County

Rural California stories of culture, food, art, and politics. Wildcrafted: Trinity County highlights small-town Trinity County voices and creative local makers while exploring the challenges and achievements that shape life in our mountain community. Wildcrafted: Trinity County amplifies rural voices through stories of culture, food, art, and politics. Developing conversations that broaden the narrative of rural life, celebrate our neighbors’ creativity and resilience, and spark dialogue that fosters pride, equity, and connection across our California community

Episodes

  1. 22 FEB

    Mushrooms of Trinity County: Forest Ecology, Elevation, and Edible Fungi with Kyle Sipes

    What can mushrooms teach us about forest health, wildfire, elevation, and rural life in Northern California? In this episode of Wildcrafted: Trinity County, hosts Chris Williams and Dan Trujillo sit down with environmental specialist and mycological enthusiast Kyle Sipes to explore the hidden fungal networks shaping Trinity County’s rivers, mountains, and oak woodlands. From black trumpets and chanterelles to tanoak - matsutake, Kyle explains how tree species, snowmelt, watershed dynamics, and forest management all influence where — and when — mushrooms appear. The conversation moves beyond foraging tips into something deeper: how learning fungi can reconnect us to place, ecological stewardship, and the rhythms of rural California. Whether you live in Trinity County or simply love the forests of the greater Redwood Coast, this episode is a field guide to seeing the land differently. In this episode of Wildcrafted: Trinity County, we sit down with environmental engineer, river restoration specialist, and mycological educator Kyle Sipes to explore the hidden fungal networks shaping life across Trinity County’s mountains, rivers, and forests. From the river corridors of the Trinity River to the high elevations of the Scott Mountains, Kyle helps us see rural Northern California through a different lens — one rooted in fungi, watershed science, and land stewardship. What begins as a conversation about mushroom hunting quickly unfolds into something deeper: how to read a forest, how to understand fire and forest management, and how rural landscapes demand patience before revealing their secrets. If you’ve ever wondered how mushrooms relate to elevation, tree species, wildfire, microclimates, or Indigenous land management practices — this episode offers both practical insight and philosophical reflection on living well in rural California. What This Conversation Explores Kyle’s journey from Southern California to Humboldt State and Northern California forests The relationship between trees and mushrooms in Trinity County Mycorrhizal fungi vs. decomposers vs. parasitic species Elevation gradients: from river bottom to subalpine forest How snowmelt influences spring mushroom seasons Why learning trees is the first step to learning mushrooms Forest management, thinning, and prescribed fire in oak woodlands Indigenous ecological stewardship and fire regimes Edible mushrooms of Trinity County: Black trumpets Chanterelles Tanoak “matsutake” (pine mushrooms) Hedgehogs Chicken of the Woods Mushroom smell as an identification tool DNA sequencing and the evolving science of fungal taxonomy Microclimates and why Trinity County is uniquely challenging — and rewarding — for mushroom hunters Foraging and building connection to place About the Guest: Kyle Sipes is an environmental engineer and river restoration specialist working throughout Northern California, including projects connected to the Trinity River Restoration Program. His professional work focuses on watershed-scale ecological restoration and long-term river health. Kyle helped refound the Humboldt State Mycological Club and is a member of the Humboldt Bay Mycological Society. He also hosts the edible mushroom table at the annual Humboldt Mushroom Fair and leads community science events such as Science on Tap at Trinity County Brewing Company. With more than a decade of experience foraging and teaching across Humboldt and Trinity counties, Kyle bridges citizen science platforms like iNaturalist with hands-on ecological education. His work reflects a broader philosophy: mushrooms are not just food — they are teachers. They reveal forest health, microclimate variation, elevation dynamics, and the complex relationships between humans and land. About the Podcast Wildcrafted: Trinity County is a podcast sharing rural California stories of culture, food, art, and politics. The show amplifies small-town voices and explores the challenges and achievements shaping life in Trinity County.

    56 min

  2. 4 FEB

    From TikTok to Trinity: How Megan Hays-Reid is Rebuilding a Historic Weaverville Motel

    In this episode of Wildcrafted: Trinity County, we sit down with Megan Hays-Reid, owner of the historic 49er Gold Country Inn, to explore what it takes to build a small business, a creative life, and a sense of belonging in rural California. Megan’s story begins far from Trinity County — in suburban Seattle and later in a remote Wyoming town of 500 people — but it leads directly into the heart of Weaverville’s evolving tourism, arts, and hospitality scene. Through grit, social media savvy, and a willingness to take risks, she’s transforming a forgotten roadside motel into a storytelling-driven destination that now draws visitors from all over the country. From TikTok fame and a MasterChef appearance to small-town innovation and remodeling rooms by hand, this conversation reveals what entrepreneurship actually looks like when your business, your home, and your reputation all exist on the same Main Street. This episode is proudly sponsored by Moon House: Coffee, Games, and Grub — Weaverville’s community hub for great coffee, board games, and locally rooted food. Whether you’re meeting friends, hosting a game night, or fueling up before exploring Trinity County, Moon House is where to connect. Stop in and tell them Wildcrafted sent you. What This Conversation Explores Moving from suburban Seattle to rural Wyoming — and finally to Weaverville How Megan bought, fought for, and saved the historic 49er Gold Country Inn Using TikTok and storytelling to market a small-town business Balancing community expectations with business survival Remodeling old buildings while honoring local history How social media brings tourists into Trinity County Creating community through art, theater, and hospitality Why “your story” is your most powerful marketing tool About the Guest Megan Hays-Reid is the owner and operator of the 49er Gold Country Inn, one of Weaverville’s most recognizable historic lodging properties. A former suburban Seattle resident turned rural entrepreneur, Megan relocated first to Wyoming, where she built a large online following through cooking, storytelling, and TikTok videos that eventually led her to appear on MasterChef: United Tastes of America. After purchasing the 49er Inn in Weaverville, Megan spent more than a year fighting through a complicated legal process to secure the property — all while running, remodeling, and rebranding it in public on social media. Today, her TikTok channel @TheMotelierMegan has introduced tens of thousands of people to Trinity County, small-town hospitality, and what it really takes to keep a historic business alive. Through partnerships with musicians, artists, and community organizations like the Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center and the North Fork Grange, Megan has turned her motel into more than a place to sleep — it’s become part of Weaverville’s cultural ecosystem. About the Podcast Wildcrafted: Trinity County is a podcast sharing rural California stories of culture, food, art, and politics. The show amplifies small-town voices and explores the challenges and achievements shaping life in Trinity County. EPISODE DESCRIPTION What does it take to run a creative small business in one of California’s most remote mountain towns? In this episode of Wildcrafted: Trinity County, hosts Chris Williams and Dan Trujillo sit down with Megan Hays-Reid, owner of Weaverville’s historic 49er Gold Country Inn, to talk about hospitality, storytelling, and entrepreneurship in rural Northern California. Megan shares her journey from suburban Seattle to rural Wyoming — and finally to Trinity County — where she transformed a struggling motel into a destination known nationwide through TikTok, MasterChef, and hands-on restoration. This conversation explores how small-town businesses balance community, heritage, and survival, and why telling your story may be the most powerful economic tool rural places have.

    43 min

  3. 4 FEB

    Cannabis Regulations, Local Government, and Democracy in Rural California | Trinity County with Lisa Wright

    In this episode of Wildcrafted: Trinity County, we sit down with Lisa Wright, Trinity County resident, entrepreneur, and cannabis policy expert, to unpack local government, cannabis regulation, and democracy in rural California. Lisa’s story connects federal bureaucracy, local governance, public administration, and the lived reality of small cannabis cultivators trying to survive. From her early work in federal agencies to founding Flowra, a cannabis compliance and consulting firm based in Weaverville, CA, Lisa brings a unique lens to the challenges shaping Trinity County’s future. This conversation explores how power, transparency, efficiency, and public participation shape local outcomes. Episode Sponsor This episode of Wildcrafted: Trinity County is sponsored by Moon House: Coffee, Games, and Grub — a locally owned gathering space in Trinity County supporting creativity and community connection. Stop in, grab a cup of coffee, and support the places that support local voices. What This Conversation Explores Lisa Wright’s journey from federal public administration to Trinity County How cannabis regulation became a defining economic issue in Trinity County How California environmental law (CEQA) shapes local cannabis licensing caps The real-world impacts of shifting regulations on small cultivators The Trinity Action Alliance (TAA) lawsuit and its on going effects Cannabis taxation, market collapse, and calls for local tax relief Transparency, the Brown Act, and public trust in county governance The tension between efficiency and democratic participation Practical advice for civic engagement without burnout in rural communities About the Guest: Lisa Wright Lisa Wright is the CEO and founder of Flowra, a cannabis consulting and compliance firm based in Weaverville, California. Flowra supports cannabis cultivators and businesses with licensing, regulatory compliance, bookkeeping, payroll, marketing, and operational services. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from South Dakota State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Drake University. Early in her career, she worked in federal government through the Presidential Management Program before transitioning into private-sector consulting and economic development. After relocating to Trinity County nearly a decade ago, Lisa became involved in cannabis policy during California’s transition from Prop 215 medical cannabis to full legalization under Prop 64. Her work has since expanded into civic advocacy around government accountability, transparency, elections, and equitable application of county ordinances. Lisa’s perspective reflects a deep commitment to rural economic life, democratic process, and the belief that local government should work for and by the public — not against it. About the Podcast Wildcrafted: Trinity County is a podcast sharing rural California stories of culture, food, art, and politics. The show amplifies small-town voices and explores the challenges and achievements shaping life in Trinity County. EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode of Wildcrafted: Trinity County, hosts Dan Trujillo and Chriss Williams speak with Lisa Wright, founder of Flowra and a leading voice in Trinity County cannabis policy, about regulation, local governance, and the democratic participation shaping rural California. Drawing on her background in federal public administration and hands-on work with local cultivators, Lisa breaks down cannabis licensing caps, environmental review, taxation, and the long-term impact of the Trinity Action Alliance lawsuit. The conversation explores transparency, public participation, and why civic engagement matters most at the local level — even when it feels exhausting or ignored. This episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in rural economic development, cannabis policy, local democracy, and the future of Trinity County California.

    48 min

  4. 4 FEB

    Why Community Theater Matters in Rural California | Trinity County Arts with Joanne Tucker

    What does community theater make possible in a rural county shaped by distance, resilience, and deep local ties? In this episode of Wildcrafted: Trinity County, hosts Chriss Williams and Dan Trujillo speak with Joanne Tucker, educator, theater director, and President of the Trinity Players, about the power of community theater in Trinity County—from Hayfork to Weaverville. This conversation explores how rural performance spaces foster belonging, educate youth, challenge assumptions, and create room for hard conversations in small towns. From inter-generational casts to unconventional venues, Joanne shares why live theater remains one of the most powerful tools for storytelling, civic connection, and cultural survival in rural California. Show Notes Wildcrafted: Trinity County — Episode with Joanne TuckerCommunity Theater, Rural Belonging, and the Power of Story in Trinity County What role does community theater play in holding a rural county together—especially in a place as geographically vast and socially interconnected as Trinity County, California? Recorded in downtown Weaverville, this conversation explores how community theater in rural California is far more than entertainment. It is a lifeline for youth, a gathering place for inter-generational storytelling, and a quiet but powerful engine for civic dialogue, creativity, and belonging. Why community theater matters in rural counties beyond ticket sales or applause The role of Mountain Actors Workshop (Hayfork) and Trinity Players (Weaverville) in sustaining local arts How rural landscapes—mountains, rivers, weather, and limited venues—shape performance and storytelling Theater as education, emotional literacy, and civic engagement Taking creative risks in small towns: censorship fears, community response, and courage Why live performance uniquely changes hearts and minds The importance of inter-generational participation in rural arts ecosystems Theater as a “finding your people” experience in small communities Youth theater as a lifesaving space for confidence, voice, and belonging Opportunities and momentum for the performing arts in Trinity County in 2026 Joanne Tucker is an educational leader and longtime advocate for the performing arts in Trinity County. She is a board member of Mountain Actors Workshop, a grassroots theater collective in Hayfork founded to bring intergenerational performance opportunities to rural residents of all experience levels. Joanne has directed, performed in, and helped organize productions ranging from comedies to historically grounded and politically reflective plays. Her work emphasizes collaboration between youth and adults, hands-on learning, and storytelling as a community-building practice. is a podcast sharing rural California stories of culture, food, art, and politics. The show amplifies small-town voices and explores the challenges and achievements shaping life in Trinity County. Episode Links, Resources, & Sponsors Organizations & Community Arts Trinity Alps Performing Arts Association (TAPA)Learn more about community theater and performing arts in Trinity County: https://www.tapaconline.org/#/Hayfork Mountain Arts & Wellness (MAW)Follow MAW for updates on arts, wellness, and community programming in Hayfork:https://www.facebook.com/hayforkmaw/Local Business & Community Space Moon House Coffee, Games & Grub (Trinity County)A local gathering space supporting creativity, conversation, and community: https://www.moonhousetrinity.com/Instagram: @moonhousetrinity

    57 min

  5. TRAILER

    Wildcrafted: Trinity County TRAILER 2026

    “From the historic Trinity Theater in downtown Weaverville, and a TriniTea Production –  this is Wildcrafted: Trinity County.  We bring you stories foraged from the land, its makers, and its people. From small-town artists to local food innovators, from community leaders to everyday neighbors, we’re exploring the voices shaping life in our California mountain home. Amplifying rural voices, celebrating creativity, and sparking conversation that matters.  Whether you live here or dream about living here, this is your front-row seat to Trinity County life. And now here are your hosts, Chriss Williams and Dan Trujillo.  Podcast Name: Wildcrafted: Trinity CountyNetwork/Hosting: “A TriniTea Production”Tagline: “Stories foraged from the land, its makers, and its people.” Description: “Rural California stories of culture, food, art, and politics. The “Wildcrafted: Trinity County” podcast highlights small-town Trinity County voices and creative local makers while exploring the challenges and achievements that shape life in our mountain community.” Mission: The Wildcrafted: Trinity County Podcast amplifies rural voices through stories of culture, food, art, and politics. Developing conversations that  broaden the narrative of rural life, celebrate our neighbors’ creativity and resilience, and spark dialogue that fosters pride, equity, and connection across our California mountain community.” Vision: We envision a Trinity County where local voices are heard, valued, and woven into the broader story of California and beyond. Through authentic conversations and storytelling, we preserve environmental knowledge, honor cultural traditions, and inspire community-driven ideas that sustain both people and place. Our vision is to help shape a more connected and inclusive future for rural communities—one where creativity, innovation, and shared experience strengthen the fabric of our mountain home

    1 min

Trailer

About

Rural California stories of culture, food, art, and politics. Wildcrafted: Trinity County highlights small-town Trinity County voices and creative local makers while exploring the challenges and achievements that shape life in our mountain community. Wildcrafted: Trinity County amplifies rural voices through stories of culture, food, art, and politics. Developing conversations that broaden the narrative of rural life, celebrate our neighbors’ creativity and resilience, and spark dialogue that fosters pride, equity, and connection across our California community

Information

  • Creator
    Wildcrafted: Trinity County
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Wildcrafted: Trinity County
  • Show Website
    Wildcrafted: Trinity County