Laura Smith
Mushroom forays, also known as mushroom hunting, mushrooming, mushroom picking, or mushroom foraging, is the activity of gathering mushrooms in the wild. This activity is typically done for culinary purposes, although mushrooms are also known to have medicinal and psychotropic uses. Mushroom forays can be relatively short (1-2 hours) or multi-day events with camping, cooking, lectures, and workshops, and lots of picking. They are often led by experienced mycologists and can be educational strolls through the woods to appreciate the beauty and diversity of mushrooms. Mushroom forays are a great way to get outside, connect with nature, and learn about the various types of mushrooms and their vital role in the ecosystem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Hunt for edibles, collect for scientific study, or appreciate the beauty and diversity of mushrooms |
| Duration | 1-2 hours to multi-day events |
| Participants | All ages, experience levels, and interests |
| Location | Forests, fields, or woods |
| Equipment | Basket, wax bags/paper, aluminum foil, knife, trowel, small brush, magnifying loupe, drinking water, snacks, waterproof boots, rain gear, safety equipment (first aid kit), compass, map, whistle, walkie-talkie, GPS device, hat |
| Preparation | Basic maps of the area, directions, let someone know your plans |
| Identification | Expert analysis is required to distinguish between useful and poisonous species. Morphological characteristics of caps, gills, and stems are essential for correct visual identification. |
| Groups and Clubs | Bay Area Mycological Society, West Virginia Mushroom Club, Puget Sound Mycological Society, Sonoma County Mycological Association |
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What You'll Learn
- What to bring: A basket, wax bags, knife, trowel, small brush, magnifying loupe, water, snacks, and more?
- What to wear: Hiking boots, socks, a hat, and rain gear. Fluorescent colours are recommended?
- Safety: A first aid kit, compass, map, whistle, and walkie-talkie are essential
- Where to go: Forests, fields, and woods. Check out local clubs and societies for organised forays?
- What to do: Identify mushrooms,
What to bring: A basket, wax bags, knife, trowel, small brush, magnifying loupe, water, snacks, and more
Mushroom forays are group expeditions into the forest to hunt for edible mushrooms, collect them for scientific study, or appreciate their beauty and diversity. They can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. On overnight forays, the collected mushrooms are often cooked into delicious meals for everyone to share.
When preparing for a mushroom foray, it's important to bring the right tools and be equipped for emergencies. Here's a list of essential items to bring on your mushroom foray:
A basket, wax bags, knife, trowel, small brush, and magnifying loupe:
These items are crucial for collecting and handling your mushroom finds. A basket, such as the popular Ghana basket, is ideal for carrying your delicate mushrooms while keeping them in good condition. Wax paper bags or paper lunch bags are also recommended for storing your mushrooms; avoid using plastic bags. A knife, like the Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) Drifter, is useful for cutting the mushroom at the base, and a trowel can help with digging if needed. A small brush, such as a badger-hair shaving brush, will help you gently clean off any forest debris from your mushroom finds. A magnifying loupe can aid in examining the finer details of the mushrooms.
Water and snacks:
Staying hydrated is essential, especially when trekking through the wilderness. Bring plenty of water, and consider investing in a water bottle that keeps your water cold for hours, like the Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth bottle. Pack energy-boosting snacks like seeds, nuts, dried fruit, jerky, and protein bars to keep your energy levels up during the foray.
In addition to the items mentioned above, here are some other important things to bring on your mushroom foray:
- Bright-coloured clothing: Wear bright colours to stay visible to your foraging companions and for safety in case of an accident.
- Adequate footwear and clothing: Sturdy hiking boots, hiking socks, and layers made of wool, fleece, or polypro will keep you comfortable and protected.
- Hat and gloves: These accessories will protect you from the elements and help regulate your body temperature.
- Whistle: A whistle is a useful tool for communicating with your group if you become separated or need assistance.
- Walkie-talkies: If you're foraging with a group, walkie-talkies can help you stay connected and prevent separation.
- Maps, compass, and/or GPS: Navigation tools are crucial for orienting yourself in the forest and finding your way back.
- Mushroom guidebooks: Bring along trusted guidebooks to help identify your mushroom finds accurately.
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What to wear: Hiking boots, socks, a hat, and rain gear. Fluorescent colours are recommended
When going on a mushroom foray, it is important to wear the right gear. Mushroom forays often take place in new locations, so it is important to be prepared for the outdoors. Sturdy hiking boots and hiking socks are essential. A hat can also be useful to protect your head from the sun and from unseen branches.
In addition to these, it is important to carry water, a basic map of the area, a compass, and a GPS device. A watch and walkie-talkies are also useful. It is important to be able to locate yourself and your fellow foragers, so a whistle is also recommended.
It is also important to be aware of the dangers of mushroom picking. It is easy to become disoriented and lost, and the weather can change quickly. In addition, there may be natural hazards in the area. Mushroom foragers should be aware of the dangers posed by game hunters, as seasons and areas overlap. To avoid this danger, many mushroom foragers choose to wear fluorescent colours so they are more easily seen. Waterproof boots and rain gear are also recommended to stay comfortable while outdoors.
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Safety: A first aid kit, compass, map, whistle, and walkie-talkie are essential
Mushroom forays are field trips to collect wild mushrooms, often led by experienced mycologists. They can be relatively short (1-2 hours) or multi-day events with camping, cooking, lectures, and workshops. They can take place in new locations, so it is important to be well-prepared.
Safety is a key consideration when going on a mushroom foray. It is important to be aware of the natural hazards in the area, such as game hunters, and to be mindful of the weather conditions, which can change quickly. Getting lost is a common concern, so it is recommended to bring a first aid kit, compass, map, whistle, and walkie-talkie. These items can help prevent emergencies and deal with them effectively if they occur.
A compass and a map can be especially helpful when navigating unfamiliar terrain. A whistle can be used to alert others of your location if you become lost or separated from your group. It is also a good idea to carry a walkie-talkie, which can be useful in emergencies, although it does not provide directions. Before embarking on a foray, be sure to let someone know your plans, so they can initiate a search if you do not return on time.
In addition to safety equipment, it is important to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Sturdy hiking boots and socks, a hat, and rain gear can protect you from the elements and provide comfort during your foray. It is also recommended to bring water, a snack, and other basic tools to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Where to go: Forests, fields, and woods. Check out local clubs and societies for organised forays
Mushroom forays are field trips to collect wild mushrooms, often in forests, fields, and woods. They can last from a few hours to multiple days. It is important to be well-equipped and oriented in the forest, with tools such as a basket, wax bags, a knife, a trowel, a magnifying loupe, drinking water, snacks, and safety equipment like a first aid kit and a whistle.
For those interested in going on a mushroom foray, it is recommended to join local clubs and societies, which offer fellowship and instruction. These clubs often host walks, meetings, and presentations, as well as annual forays. The North American Mycological Association (NAMA), for example, is an umbrella organization for North American mushroom clubs and provides a list of affiliated clubs on its website.
Additionally, organizations like the Puget Sound Mycological Society (PSMS) and Fungi Farm offer meetings, classes, workshops, and field trips, including forays. Fungi Farm's forays are led by experts such as Bridget Childers, a certified forager, and Michael Page, a wild mushroom identification expert. These guided forays provide an opportunity to learn about mushroom identification, edible and toxic mushrooms, and best practices for harvesting, transporting, and preserving mushrooms.
Before embarking on a foray, it is essential to be prepared and informed. Basic maps, directions, and knowledge of natural hazards are crucial. It is also recommended to bring essential tools and equipment, such as hiking gear, a compass, GPS, and water, and to let someone know your plans for additional safety.
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What to do: Identify mushrooms,
A mushroom foray is an organised group trip into the forest to look for fungi. Forays can last from an hour or two to several days. On longer trips, any edible mushrooms that are found may be cooked and shared. Before embarking on a mushroom foray, it's important to be aware of basic safety measures, such as letting someone know where you're going, and bringing a map, compass, GPS device, and water.
Mushroom forays are a great opportunity to learn how to identify and collect mushrooms. However, it's important to be able to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, as wild mushrooms can be lethal. Even experienced mushroom hunters can struggle to differentiate between safe and toxic species, so it's always best to bring any mushrooms you find to an expert for identification.
- Note the substrate, or the material that the mushroom is growing from. Some mushrooms grow in soil, on trees, or on rotting wood. Knowing the substrate can help you understand the mushroom's ecology and get closer to an ID.
- Look at the underside of the cap. This is often where spores are formed. The same species of mushroom can look different at various stages of development, so be aware of young specimens that may be misleading.
- Identify the macro morphological traits, or the traits you can see with the naked eye. For example, the colour of the mushroom, whether it has gills or pores, the presence and orientation of its stem, and the colour of the spores.
- Observe the microscopic traits. The shape and size of spores can be extremely helpful in distinguishing between species.
- Identify whether the stipe (stem) is ornamented with an annulus (a skirt of tissue around the circumference) or whether the base has a volva (a sack of tissue that can also look like a club). Amanita species often have both an annulus and a volva, but they are poisonous, so be careful!
Remember, it's always best to have an expert guide with you when foraging for edible mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom foray is a field trip to collect wild mushrooms with other enthusiasts and knowledgeable mycologists. Forays can last from one to two hours or be a multi-day event with camping, cooking, lectures, and workshops.
It is important to be aware of your surroundings and stay oriented in the forest. Bring a basket, wax bags, a knife, trowel, small brush, magnifying loupe, drinking water, and a snack. Also, bring safety equipment such as a first aid kit, compass, map, and whistle.
The purpose of a mushroom foray can vary. It could be to hunt for edible mushrooms, collect for scientific study, or appreciate the beauty and diversity of mushrooms.
You can find mushroom forays through local mushroom clubs, mycological societies, or the Association of British Fungus Groups if you are in the UK. In the US, you can check out the West Virginia Mushroom Club or the Sonoma County Mycological Association.
