Mushrooms 101

Come out to Quail Hollow for a unique all-day mushroom event featuring an introductory lecture on mushroom biology and ecology, a guided foray into the woods to collect mushrooms, followed by a hands-on ID workshop. Christian Schwarz, co-author of the forthcoming book Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast and expert on California fungal identification will be the speaker, and will lead the collecting walks with Adam Ryszka, the co-creator of the Mycota of Santa Cruz website (scmycoflora.org). The program begins with a winter-warming, sweet or savory polenta. Local chef, Bob Wynn will also provide a midday meal of mushroom pasta Primavera, mixed salad, and herbed focaccia. Appetizers of sautéed local mushrooms will also be served. Patrons should bring their own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks if so desired. For mushrooming, bring a trowel or similar shovel, field or utility knife, basket, paper or wax bags (not plastic), a pencil & paper for note taking, and field guide if you have one. Dress in layers and be prepared to venture in any weather into our local woods. For ages 16+.