Introduction to Mushroom Identification

Introduction to Mushroom Identification is a course Martin has been teaching for over 20 years. The content changes as often as mushroom names change. You’ll look at some tried and true ID methods, plus discuss how some of the newest technology is helping or hindering.  This workshop starts with a 2 hours Zoom session and continues Saturday and Sunday in person. Includes classroom presentations and discussions, in the woods foraging and hands-on identifying.  Just to verify we got the identification correct we will finish off with some mushroom cookery and tasting.

NEXT BOOKING IS FOR SPRING 2025 - Dates will be announced via newsletter 

VIA Zoom:

• ·      Introduction to Fungi and their Ecological role.
• ·      Identifying common Alberta Trees. Why? You'll find out why...
  
• ·      Understanding mushroom taxonomy (how mushrooms get their names).

Morning session:

• ·      Basic identification characteristics.
• ·      Basic Boletes.
• ·      Basic Russula and Lactarius.

Lunch: Mushroom soup, Mushroom main, Mushroom dessert.

Afternoon session:

• ·      Mushroom collection.
• ·      Sorting out the finds.
• ·      Having a close look at mushroom characteristics.
• ·      Making spore prints.

Morning session:

• ·      Mushroom collection.

Lunch: Mushroom soup, Mushroom main, Mushroom dessert.

Afternoon session:

• ·      Mushroom Keys and how to use them.
• ·      Keying out the morning collections.
• ·      Learning the best edibles from the collections.
• ·      Preservation methods best suited to each mushroom species.
• ·      Cook and taste of our collections.

Things to bring: Assorted clothing layers for all eventualities, hat, sun screen, bug dope, sturdy boots or shoes (we may hit some wet spots.), a good knife in a safe sheath, A loupe or magnifier if you have one, a BIG basket or bucket, mushroom field guides (Should include Mushrooms of Western Canada). Any mushrooms you need help identifying.