Mushroom ID For Beginners

Mushroom ID for Beginners is an in-depth, two-day workshop exploring the fascinating world of fungi. Naturalist and mycologist Mario Abreu will lead an interactive lecture and demonstrations on Saturday, covering the basic taxonomic features used to identify and distinguish mushrooms, where and when different species can be found, and some of the myths surrounding them. A Field ID Walk on Sunday (optional) offers participants the chance to search for mushrooms associated with the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens' native plant communities. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Participants can also discover the Gardens' wild mushroom collection independently, armed with a list of species commonly found here. The Gardens is home to more than 160 species of wild mushrooms during fall and winter! Mushrooms found at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens should stay at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens... Please, DO NOT PICK OR COLLECT from our botanical collection! The Details: The class will include indoor instruction on Saturday and a guided field walk on Sunday. We recommend bringing along drinking water, a notebook, and a pen both days. Saturday's Lecture will take place in the MCBG Farmhouse/Education Center from 10:30 PM to 3:00 PM with a lunch break from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. There will be a short lunch break, so plan to bring a sack lunch or hop over to Rhody's Garden Cafe during the break. Sunday's Field ID Walk will meet at the MCBG Farmhouse at one of two optional times — 9:00 AM or 11:30 AM —with a maximum of 8 per session. Be prepared for the weather with appropriate layers. Workshop Registration: Class size is limited! Registration for this workshop must be completed in advance online or at the MCBG Store. The registration fee is $76.00 per participant and covers your admission for the day. The discounted rate for current MCBG Members is $66.00 – sign in to access your discount. All fees are non-refundable unless the workshop has been canceled or rescheduled by the Gardens. Proceeds support our nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.