Details:
***REGISTRATION REQUIRED*** Experience the world of Midwestern mushroom foraging in-person with Ariel Bonkoski, co-founder of Lake Superior Mycological Society and owner of Ariel’s Mushroom Company! This experiential course will consist of an indoor and outdoor portion. The goal of the course is to introduce the fundamentals of mushroom foraging, including edible mushrooms, toxic mushrooms and identifications. In the Lois King Education Center, we will begin by building identification skills and foundational information needed to recognize important regional mushroom species. Following this introduction, we will head outdoors to exercise our newly found skills and see a few mushroom species in the Sax-Zim Bog! This on-the-trail foray is great for beginners and will help equip participants to confidently begin making their own mushroom identifications. This course is open to all experience levels and for ages 16 and up. Plan on bringing a lunch, water, note taking materials, and appropriate footwear. Much of our time will be spent on boardwalks or trails, with the potential for off-trail exploration into the Bog. Dress for both indoor and outdoor time. Additionally, bring along a basket or mesh bag if you wish to forage your own mushrooms during the class! Ariel Bonkoski is a self-taught mushroom identification expert and author who resides in Duluth, Minnesota. She has been studying fungi since 2016 and is now one of the most active mushroom identifiers in North America. Ariel has taught mushroom identification courses and led forays for colleges, public schools, mycological societies, and nature centers all over North America. Ariel is best known for her friendly and enthusiastic approach to teaching about mushrooms and fungi. She is an active Minnesota Master Naturalist, with a passion for learning, giving back to nature, and connecting people to nature. Ariel spends much of her free time camping, hiking, and foraging. She aspires to become an exceptional naturalist and promises to never stop learning. Course Fee: $95/non-members (includes FOSZB membership); $80/FOSZB members and Minnesota Master Naturalists Register Online at saxzim.org/events/
