Join a mushroom walk with John Michelotti, the founder and mycologist of Catskill Fungi.

After a brief introduction of your guide and the basics of fungi, we will head into the forest to see what mushrooms we can find. As we spot them growing on logs and on the ground, we will talk about which are edible or medicinal and which are poisonous. Don't worry, no mushrooms in New York are poisonous to touch. We will use our hand lenses to look at the details of each mushroom to learn how to identify them before collecting our specimens in foraging baskets. We will use resources like guide books and apps to identify what fungi we find. We will talk about the connection of fungi and plants, highlighting the essential functions they carry out within the forest. Exploring the many diverse ways which humans have utilized fungi throughout the past, we can see why turning to them now to solve current environmental issues is beneficial.

As we carry our baskets out of the woods, we can spread the mushrooms out on a table in groups to admire the diverse shapes, colors, textures, and sizes of fungi we can find in the forest. We will take a group photo holding our favorite mushroom and participants will have a chance to purchase mushroom books and health extracts made by John and Catskill Fungi.  After the walk, come to the pub to socialize over some locally made mushroom cocktails and mocktails.

Please dress for the weather. We will walk rain or shine. This means boots or sneakers.  Optional equipment would be a water bottle, bug/tick repellent, rain coat, or snacks. You are welcome to bring pictures of mushrooms you would like identified.

Pets

I love them but no. Dog love trampling mushrooms. Also, some people have allergies or are afraid dogs. 

Cancelations

If you need to cancel please notify us via email. Email us at least 48 hour before the start of the walk and we will refund you.   

Walks usually fill up so it is recommended you sign up in advance.  

See you in the woods!