This full-day mushroom foraging class will begin indoors with a Mycology 101 crash course. We'll cover fungal biology basics, the variety of shapes and structures found among mushrooms, key identifying characteristics, and foraging tips and tricks. After breaking for lunch, we'll spend the afternoon exploring the woods together, applying our new knowledge to understanding the fungi we observe. We'll look for fall edibles in our area, including maitake/hen of the woods, chicken of the woods, oyster mushrooms, chanterelles, giant puffballs, lobster mushrooms, hedgehog mushrooms, and more.
As with any foraging class, the abundance and variety of mushrooms we find in the woods is entirely up to mother nature! Mushrooms are more sensitive to dry conditions than most plants, and the drought we've been experiencing in southwest Wisconsin this summer makes things even more unpredictable. Being prepared for uncertainty (and for surprises!) is all part and parcel of wild foraging!
Instructions: Come prepared for the afternoon hike by dressing for the weather. Closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and long pants tucked into socks are recommended to protect against ticks and thorns when venturing off trail. Please also bring something to collect mushrooms in. Containers that allow airflow are best, e.g. baskets, canvas bags, mesh bags, paper bags, etc. (avoid plastic bags if possible). You may also wish to bring a water bottle, snacks, or something to take notes with.
Date: Sunday, September 17
Time: 9am - 4:30pm
Ages: 18+ years
Location: TBD
Lunch will be provided.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees):
Supporter Level Ticket: $115
Sustainer Level Ticket: $90
Supported Level Ticket: $65
Instructor Bio:
Andi Bruce is a professional mycologist, avid wild food forager, and amateur rockhound with a green thumb and a love affair with the natural world. She has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a focus on environmental sustainability and social justice. She also has a master’s degree in biology with a focus on mycology, the study of mushrooms and other fungi. Her master’s thesis represents the first published study examining the spread of non-native golden oyster mushrooms in the United States. After spending 4 years as a scientist in the San Francisco Bay Area’s biotech industry, the Wisconsin woods have called her home to focus on the transfer of cultural knowledge and traditional skills.