Winter Polypore Workshop

Tree trunk with a large Phellinus tremulae growing out of it, set against a snowy forest background.

$225.00

Long-lived fungi with complex chemistry

Polypores can persist on living and dead trees for years, defending themselves against insects, microbes, and decay. That long lifespan is one reason many of our most important medicinal mushrooms belong to this group.

This workshop focuses on identifying polypores through structure, habitat, and winter observation, combining live online sessions with a hands-on field day.

35+ Years

Mushroom experience

180

Groups educated

2000+

People taught

If you want to..

Identify mushrooms when most people stop looking

using winter as an advantage rather than a limitation.

Recognize polypores through structure and form

by reading pores, growth patterns, textures, and substrates

Understand why many important medicinal mushrooms are polypores

by looking at how long-lived fungi defend themselves and persist in place

Gain practical confidence identifying polypores in the field

learning in the field, then sorting and keying specimens together

Then this workshop is for you!

Brief Details

Format

-2 live online sessions +1 in person day (Edmonton, AB. area).
-Mix of discussion, explanation, and practical demonstration in coniferous and deciduous sites.

Online Schedule

Live Zoom Sessions:
-Tues, Nov 24, 26'
-Thurs, Nov 26, 26'
7:00–8:30 PM MST

In Person Schedule

Full Day in Person:
-Sat, Nov 28, 26'
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

What's Included -A key for local polypores. -Polypore soup, polypore teas, and coffee.

Location

In-person day held near Edmonton, Alberta sites, chosen for their ecology.

In Person Field Day A winter foray to multiple habitats, followed by identification. We’ll collect polypores, examine key features together, work through id keys, and discuss practical use of what we’ve found.

Things To Bring -Assorted clothing layers for all weather, warm snow boots, sturdy knife with sheath, a mallet, a loupe or magnifier, a basket, snow shoes (optional)

Winter Polypore Complete Details

Orientation & Habitat

Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 7:00-8:30 PM MST. On Zoom, Live
Polypore lifestyles and growth strategies
Reading habitats and substrates
The relationship between trees and fungi
Basic tree identification to support polypore identification

Structure & Identification

Thursday, November 26, 2026, 7:00-8:30 PM. MST On Zoom, Live
Polypore identification basics
Polypore terminology
Key ID features of Polypores
Most common local genera and species

Field Practice

Saturday, November 28th, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. In Person near Edmonton AB
Morning: Winter Foraging
We visit multiple habitats
Winter collection methods
Growth patterns in natural settings
Lunch: Polypore soup, tea, and coffee
Afternoon: Identification & Use
Sort and examine our collected specimens
Work through identification keys
How to use what you've collected
Ask questions

After this workshop you will:

Confidently recognize common winter polypores
Understand why many polypores are valued medicinally
Know how to collect polypores in winter
Use identification keys with confidence
Leave with a repeatable identification framework

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Martin Osis

Expert field mycologist and educator

Martin Osis teaches about fungi to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions.

MartinOnMushrooms was started in April 2024, after Martin had spent the last 35 years teaching over 2000 people about field mycology. He is:

Past President, and a founding member of the Alberta Mycological Society.
Past Vice President and Canadian Trustee of the North American Mycological Association.
Past member of the Pacific Northwest Key Council