Last Saturday on the Trail: Autumn Mushroom Hunting

Autumn Mushroom Hunting in Connecticut

Outdoor class with The Mushroom Hunting Foundation

Recommended for adults and older teens.

There are many types of mushrooms in our region. Some are poisonous, but their ecology is fun to learn about…and others are simply delicious! Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt, New England’s leading mushroom-hunting teachers, will lead us into the forest to closely examine local fungi in their natural habitats. They will explain the basics of wild mushroom science and safety, demonstrate helpful tools, and put special emphasis on the fall species that are considered “safe for beginners” to cook with. This class will show you inside a whole world of adventure that most people overlook.

Students should bring cameras or phones (ringers off, please).

About the Instructors: Ryan T. Bouchard is the author and photographer of the influential book Gourmet Mushrooms of the Northeast 2019. Emily Bouchard studies our local mushroom species (and wild plants as well) and invents new ways to use these special ingredients; she created the groundbreaking wild plant instructional video series In the Weeds with Emily Schmidt (her maiden name). Together, Ryan and Emily Bouchard created The Mushroom Hunting Foundation and educated thousands about safely enjoying America’s incredible wild foraging.