Intro to Mushroom Identification Nature Walk - Watersmeet Woods

100 Avon Ave,Northfield IL 60093

26 September, 2021

Description

Learn some basics of mushroom ID. See cool mushrooms. Find out how you can help fungi and wildlife thrive in our preserves! Watersmeet Woods in Northfield Sunday, September 26 – 2:00p-4:00p Cost: FREE Fungi spend most of their time microscopically hiding all around us. But when conditions are right, many fungi reveal themselves by forming mushrooms. Around Chicago, the height of the growing season in late summer and early fall, is when you'll find the greatest diversity and abundance of mushrooms. And places where old-growth oaks still survive, like parts of Watersmeet Woods, are especially good places to find classic toadstool mushrooms that form symbiotic relationships with trees, growing along with many wood decomposing fungi. During this walk, we'll search the woods for mushrooms, looking for examples of different groups of mushrooms found around Chicago, and we'll talk about how to recognize these groups. Along the way, we’ll also talk about how volunteers working to restore the health of the oaks and surrounding plant communities also benefit the fungal communities, and how the health of all these organisms are inextricably linked. Be aware that we will likely be going off-trail during the hike since the best mushrooms are frequently found off-trail. Please wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Depending on the weather, trail conditions may be muddy. Dress for the weather and bring your own sunscreen, bug spray, or other supplies as needed. Face coverings are required for anyone who is not fully vaccinated. Notice of event cancellation will be sent out prior to 1 hour before the event. We'll meet at the corner of Avon Ave and Winnetka Rd. Park on the west side of Avon Ave. Look for a yellow “Volunteer” sign at the meeting spot.