2026 Intermediate Fungi Class - August 15

Do you want to expand your knowledge of our local mushroom?

Mushrooms are fascinating forms of life that humans have deep relationship with. We have been using them for food and medicine for thousands of years yet are just beginning to understand their role in the greater ecosystem. This intermediate mushroom class will involve a long hike off trail in the wooded hillsides and along the wetlands of the Wild Muskoka Homestead outside of Dwight Ontario. We will hike off trail for several hours stopping to explore all the fungi we find along the way and if we are lucky enough foraging delicious species we encounter. We will end the program with a mushroom cookout of the fun species we found on our hike.

IMPORTANT: This is an INTERMEDIATE LEVEL CLASS. What this means is that you have some basic understanding of fungi ecology and anatomy. You may have attended one of our Introduction to Mushroom Foraging classes or something similar. You may be a fungi nerd who has lots of self study time. You should have an understanding of mushroom ecology knowing the difference between a fruiting body and mycelium and some basic understanding of different mushroom anatomy like gills, pores, bracket, etc. The intention with this class is to be able to dive right into on-the-land mushroom identification without having to spend a lot of time on the basics of anatomy and form. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE GOOD AT IDENTIFICATION. We will be practising ID as we go you just need to have some understanding of how to look at fungi.

Program focuses and skills:

• Fungal ecology and their role in the natural world
  
• Identification of a wide variety of wild mushrooms
• Practising using field guides and other resources for safe and effective identification
• Mushroom journaling
• Foraging and storage techniques 

Class hours are 10:00am - 5pm. The class will be limited to 8-10 students

This program takes place outdoors in all weather and conditions (severe weather e.i. tornado warnings an exception). Bugs are a part of nature in the Muskoka summers. Please come to class dressed appropriately for the weather, long sleeves and pants for bugs, and proper footwear for hiking off-trail through rugged woods. This program is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Dates 2026: August 15

Program Location: Wild Spirit Homestead (Home of Laura & Chris) between Dwight & Dorset, Ontario 

Program Cost: $125+HST