Hunt for Forest Treasure: Join us for a 2.5-hour scramble through the forests of Mount Hood as we hunt for chanterelles, porcini, oysters and other seasonal varieties. This isn't your typical hike—we won’t travel far distance-wise, but we will be bending and exploring off-trail as we search for fungi in their favorite spots.
You'll learn identification techniques and tools while we seek these fall fungi, plus how to spot the dangerous look-alikes and toxic species in our area. We'll explore the incredible ecological roles fungi play—from decomposers turning death into life to mycorrhizal networks creating the "wood wide web" that connects entire forests. We'll cover sustainable harvesting using honorable harvest principles and forest service regulations as well as preparations for these tasty forest morsels.
Whether we find our target species or stumble upon medicinal varieties or perfect dye mushrooms, you'll leave knowing the hidden fungal world around us a little better.
What to expect: Off-trail exploration requiring sure footing on uneven ground and plenty of bending. All experience levels welcome. We might not find exactly what we're seeking—but we'll learn from whatever the forest offers. We will meet on Mt. Hood at 9:30 a.m. - exact location will be provided after registration - and wrap up circa 12:30 p.m.
Bring: Sturdy shoes and wet weather gear essential. Even if it’s not raining, the foliage is often damp. Water, snacks, sunblock, and mosquito repellent. A basket, paper bag or similar (anything but plastic!) to in which to collect your finds. A small knife (think pocketknife) and a trim paint brush are helpful but not required and I’ll have some extras.
Hunt for Forest Treasure: Join us for a 2.5-hour scramble through the forests of Mount Hood as we hunt for chanterelles, porcini, oysters and other seasonal varieties. This isn't your typical hike—we won’t travel far distance-wise, but we will be bending and exploring off-trail as we search for fungi in their favorite spots.
You'll learn identification techniques and tools while we seek these fall fungi, plus how to spot the dangerous look-alikes and toxic species in our area. We'll explore the incredible ecological roles fungi play—from decomposers turning death into life to mycorrhizal networks creating the "wood wide web" that connects entire forests. We'll cover sustainable harvesting using honorable harvest principles and forest service regulations as well as preparations for these tasty forest morsels.
Whether we find our target species or stumble upon medicinal varieties or perfect dye mushrooms, you'll leave knowing the hidden fungal world around us a little better.
What to expect: Off-trail exploration requiring sure footing on uneven ground and plenty of bending. All experience levels welcome. We might not find exactly what we're seeking—but we'll learn from whatever the forest offers. We will meet on Mt. Hood at 9:30 a.m. - exact location will be provided after registration - and wrap up circa 12:30 p.m.
Bring: Sturdy shoes and wet weather gear essential. Even if it’s not raining, the foliage is often damp. Water, snacks, sunblock, and mosquito repellent. A basket, paper bag or similar (anything but plastic!) to in which to collect your finds. A small knife (think pocketknife) and a trim paint brush are helpful but not required and I’ll have some extras.
