Moth Parasitized by Cordyceps - Taken by Jeff White
The Hidden World of Fungi
An Introduction to Fungi & Fungal Ecology
Held at the Highland Nature Sanctuary & Appalachian Forest Museum
$350/person
This program is limited to a maximum of 16 registrants to ensure personal instruction
With Mycologists Lauren Re & Owen Zecca
Friday October 16th - October 18th
We invite you to join mycologists Lauren Ré and Owen Zecca, for a weekend course exploring the fungal diversity of the Arc’s Highlands Nature Sanctuary. We’ll focus on macrofungi and mushrooms - covering the smallest scale of spores and cells and zooming out to the ecology and habitats of local species. With a variety of presentations, workshops, discussions, and forays into the field, attendees will receive a comprehensive dive into the world of studying fungi. This event is open to all levels of experience, with elements for everyone interested in broadening their mycological skillset. Scroll below the photo gallery for more information.
Fungi are one of the planet’s most diverse and dynamic groups of life. Despite growing public interest, science has described only about 1% of Earth’s estimated fungal species. Mycology, the study of fungi, offers curious naturalists a chance to discover a hidden world that exists in their own backyards. With new tools and resources for studying fungi becoming increasingly accessible, it’s never been easier to make valuable contributions to our collective understanding of this unique kingdom.
Registrants will learn to:
Identify common groups of mushrooms by recognizing key morphological traits
Distinguish mushrooms and lichens from other cryptogams including slime molds and mosses
Engage their senses to aid in species identification
Find fungi in their wild habitats and clue into their ecology
Recognize the parts of a mushroom and their functions
Use microscopes to locate spores, spore-bearing structures and other cellular components of mushrooms
Sketch and study close-up features on a range of specimens
Other topics of discussion include:
Photographing, collecting and preserving mushrooms
Community Science & resources for further exploration
Edibility & toxicity of species we encounter
Cancellation policy: Reservations are fully refundable until September 16th. After that time, unless there is a waiting list, cancellations cannot be processed. You can gift your registration to another or ask us to mark your fees as a tax-deductible donation to the Arc.
What should I bring?
Cell phone for taking pictures.
Raingear is recommended as this course will go on rain or shine for the field component of the program. Consider a wide-brimmed hat to shed the rain.
Water bottle and day pack to carry your lunch.
Informal outdoor clothing for both wet and dry weather
Water bottle and day pack to carry your lunch.
Notebook or clipboard, pen, pencils, and paper for note taking.
First aid kit appropriate to your needs
Insect repellent for ticks & chiggers, see details below. We will also bring some to share.
The following are optional but recommended by the instructors!
Basket for collecting mushrooms
Tackle Box for keeping smaller specimens separated
Pocket knife
Flashlight (or headlamp) separate from your phone
UV light if you have one
Jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass
Cell phone coverage and the internet. Most cell phones work at the Appalachian Forest Museum. However, if you want internet access at an Arc lodge, you will have to hook up a hotspot off your phone.
Comfort in the out-of-doors. Please be prepared for hiking in both cold winter weather and moderately warm weather, as this program is scheduled for Mid-October, which often brings very chilly mornings and warm afternoons on the same day.
Please click here to learn about the considerable hazards presented by ticks and chiggers and prepare your own insect repellant that is safe to use, affordable to make, and will give you the confidence to enjoy the outdoors.
For program/event information:
Elijah Crabtree, Naturalist Educator & Coordinator at (740) 703-2633
Email: elijah.crabtree@gmail.com