Intro to Mushroom Identification Nature Walk - Bunker Hill North Flatwoods

6639 W Harts Rd,Niles IL 60714

24 October, 2021

Description

Learn some basics of mushroom ID. See cool mushrooms. Find out how you can help fungi and wildlife thrive in our preserves! Bunker Hill North Flatwoods in Niles, IL Sunday, October 24 – 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 Bunker Hill North Flatwoods, 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 be going off-trail during the hike since the best mushrooms are frequently found off-trail. Please wear long pants that cover the ankles and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Depending on the weather, 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 in the north end of the parking lot at Bunker Hill Forest Preserve, off of Harts Rd. Look for a yellow “Volunteer” sign at the meeting spot.