Head towards a secret location for a day trip/mushroom foray and a walk in the woods. You’ll gain a firm handle on the foundations of mushroom identification as you locate a variety of medicinal and edible fungi growing in the wild. We’ll have a chance to discuss mushroom anatomy and learn the tools for contrasting mushrooms that may be poisonous with those that may inspire a dinner party. Bring your field guides and we’ll unlock some nature! You’ll return with a better understanding of what it means to hunt for mushrooms.

Preparation

Mother Nature is sometimes unpredictable and we cannot guarantee the number or variety of the mushrooms we will find. Bring your positive attitude and your hiking apparel (i.e., long pants, hat, good footwear), as well as water, snacks, lunch, and an awareness that it is possible that we will be walking at elevation and on varying ground cover for several hours. All participants should come prepared for the weather in the high country.

- Capacity is strictly limited.

- We will meet promptly at the (TBD) meeting spot in order to have a brief discussion on safety and what to expect for the day. CARPOOLING encouraged.

- The class will be emailed should the weather be an issue or cause for cancellation. All students will be refunded should the weather not cooperate. When possible credit toward another class will be offered.

Location

This FORAY is SCHEDULED in the Eagle/White River USFS (Vail) district. Ensō has permission to take groups into various ranger districts and private lands alike. Depending on rainfall and conditions on the ground directions will be forwarded to participants by the Wednesday before the trip.

Transportation

Class length does NOT necessarily include drive time to or from our meeting place to the hiking location.

Approximate class length: 4-5 hours, 9 am - 2 pm. Drive time approximately 1 hour each direction (+ or - 20 min). We will travel to the mountains. We can discuss transportation if any of this becomes an obstacle. Paz!

NEW THIS YEAR 2024:

Students may be required to obtain a personal mushroom harvesting permit (forest products - think Christmas trees or firewood) through the USFS depending on where we find ourselves hiking. I will give you ample information on where to obtain permitting. Once you sign up for this class you will be directed to either the Clear Creek, South Park, or South Platte Ranger Districts. This permit is only if you wanted to take some of our harvested mushrooms home for consumption. It Is Not Required to attend the foray.

This permit is required in most USFS districts for individuals that harvest wild mushrooms from USFS governed land. Harvesting forest products from any national park or BLM Wilderness area is generally STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

NOTE: Customers will be refunded the full amount of the class if less than 5 students sign up as class will be canceled. I will notify students at least 48 hours in advance. Consequently, cancelations are required at least 72 hours ahead of the class start time. When possible credit toward another class will be offered.