Mushroom Foraging, with Andi Bruce

This full-day mushroom foraging class will begin indoors with a Mycology 101 crash course. We'll cover fungal biology basics, the variety of shapes and structures found among mushrooms, key identifying characteristics, and foraging tips and tricks. After breaking for lunch, we'll spend the afternoon exploring the woods together, applying our new knowledge to understanding the fungi we observe. We'll look for fall edibles in our area, including maitake/hen of the woods, chicken of the woods, oyster mushrooms, chanterelles, giant puffballs, lobster mushrooms, hedgehog mushrooms, and more.

As with any foraging class, the abundance and variety of mushrooms we find in the woods is entirely up to mother nature! Mushrooms are more sensitive to dry conditions than most plants, and the drought we've been experiencing in southwest Wisconsin this summer makes things even more unpredictable. Being prepared for uncertainty (and for surprises!) is all part and parcel of wild foraging!

Date: Sunday, September 17
Time: 9am - 4:30pm
Ages: 18+ years
Location: People's Food Co-op, 315 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Lunch will be provided.

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)

Supporter Level Ticket: $115
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $90
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $65
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!