Learn how to safely identify, collect and then eat local mushrooms! Discover key characteristics of typical species and acquire skill in differentiating the poisonous and inedible from the edible types. We’ll take to the field and identify fungi commonly found in forests of the Southern Cascades, as well as discuss cooking techniques and share recipes.

The bounty of nature doesn’t end with summer! Explore the many useful roots, berries, bark, and nuts all around you during fall in the Illinois Valley. Learn basic botany and plant identification skills, and get to know medicinal, edible and otherwise usable plants in the field. Finally, we’ll ethically harvest ingredients to make a warm drink, bay nut “chocolates”, and an acorn treat. Ages 12+ welcome.