Mushroom Identification and Field Foraging Basics

Mushroom Identification And Field Foraging Basics

Instructor: Nat Levin

Format: 2 Sessions – one indoor and one outdoor

Location: Session 1 will be held at the Spring Farm CARES Small Animal Building in the Learning Center. Session 2 will be in the Nature Sanctuary.

Dates: Session 1 – September 14th – 1pm – 2:30pm, Session 2 – September 21 – 1pm – 3pm.

Workshop Description:

Designed for beginners and aspiring foragers, this workshop will help participants build foundational knowledge of fungi and develop practical identification skills in the field. Emphasis is placed on safe foraging practices, ecology, and the responsible use of mushrooms.

• Session 1 (Indoor):
  Introduction to mushroom anatomy, ecology, and toxicology. Covers fungal groups, spore printing, photographing for ID, and distinguishing folklore from scientific claims about medicinal fungi.

Topics Include:

• • Fertile surface types and basic mushroom structures
  • Mycorrhizal vs. saprobic fungi; Ascomycota vs. Basidiomycota
  • Local tree–fungi associations
  • Identification and toxicology of local poisonous species
  • Spore print demos and ID documentation tips
  • Ethical foraging and medicinal use discussions

• Session 2 (Field Walk):
  In-the-field identification of fungi, beginning with tree ID. Participants will search for and identify mushrooms in their natural habitat, with emphasis on accuracy and ethical harvesting practices.

Cost: $60 Please read our Payment & Cancellation Policy here.

All proceeds go directly to Spring Farm CARES Animal and Nature Sanctuary.

To register by phone: Please Call the Spring Farm CARES Office: (315) 737-9339 and leave a voicemail message. We will return your call as soon as we can.

To contact us by email: Please fill out and submit the “Nature Sanctuary Workshop Information Request Form” on this page and you will be contacted by our office for registration and to answer any questions.

Payments can be made on-line through a link that we will send to you when you register, or by mail, or through our office by phone.