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About Mushroom Walks

New walks are added periodically. Sign up for our newsletter below to receive info about upcoming events. 

What is a Mushroom Walk?

Our walks and events aim to broaden your understanding of mushrooms and inspire you to learn more. Mushroom walks begin at a designated location, where we gather for a brief overview of what to expect and some “Fungi101” facts.  We then carpool, if necessary, to a nearby trail and hand out baskets, collection bags, and field guides to take with us into the forest. Trails are chosen for walking ease and space for social distancing. Along the way, we learn how to look for, sustainably harvest, and identify mushrooms. We talk about which fungi are edible, their medicinal properties, and how to prepare them. We also focus on historic uses, current scientific trends, and new innovations. People of all ages are welcome to explore and ask questions. As our two-hour mark approaches, we walk back to the parking lot and spread out all our specimens on a table for further inspection. We take photos and post  pictures from our walk on the Catskill Fungi Instagram/Facebook page. Finally, Catskill Fungi extracts & products will be available for purchase at a discounted price for all participants. 

Participants at a Catskill Fungi mushroom walk gathered around a table covered with foraged mushrooms, and holding up mushrooms jubilantly.

Who should join a Mushroom Walk?

We love introducing beginners to the wide world of fungi on our mushroom walks. Whether you’re a beginning forager or a full-blown mycologist, there is much to learn. We do our best to choose easy trails that suit a wide range of physical abilities. Walks are enjoyable for nature lovers, teachers, wilderness educators, permaculturists, holistic healers, chefs, gardeners, homesteaders, biology students, nature photographers, herbal enthusiasts, DIY-ers, or anyone interested to learn about the fascinating fungi in our local forests.  

Children/students and mycology club members are half price. 

Special pricing available for homeschoolers.  Please inquire for more information.  

For additional learning, check out our workshops on medicinal mushroom extracts and mushroom cultivation. 

Children at a Catskill Fungi mushroom walk gathered around a wild mushroom and pointing at it.

How to prepare:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather. We will walk rain or shine.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. It is important to wear appropriate shoes/boots for being in the forest. We do our best to pick trails that can be accessed by people of a wide range of physical abilities.
  • There are no bathrooms or outhouses at trail heads we leave from. Please plan accordingly.
  • Some people bring water and snacks. Baskets for collecting mushrooms and field guides for identification are welcome. Some baskets, collecting bags, and field guides will be provided.
  • Bring your cameras. This is not necessary but fun and helpful for identifying fungi. Out of respect, I ask permission to include people in photos and encourage others to do the same.
  • Bring a notebook and pen. This is highly encouraged. I carry these to make notes about the fun fungi we find.
  • Please, No Dogs. I love them but we have had issues in the past.
  • Bring some mushrooms and photos of mushrooms. We will do our best to identify them.
  • Bring your smile and an open mind to learn about the world around you.

 

John Michelotti points at an “old man of the woods” mushroom during a Catskill Mountain mushroom walk.