Fall for Fungi Hike, November

Turkey tail, chicken of the woods, and scrambled egg slime. We aren’t talking poultry here. Grab your camera instead of your deep-fryer, and join us for our fall mushroom hunt with master mycologist William Needham. Let’s wander the trails to search for fungi that catch our eye with unique coloring or gill placement and our ears with their odd name combinations.

And while fall is a perfect time to search for fungi, nothing is guaranteed. Keep in mind that a destroying angel or inky cap could be growing just around the next corner, and enjoy the day regardless of how many mushrooms you find during the hike. Also, to limit our impact on the park, let’s focus on learning to identify and taste rather than forage, which can damage an area if too much is taken.

Our leader, William Needham, is the former president of the Mycological Association of Washington and has extensive field and practical experience with fungi. He is also a Maryland Master Naturalist. He is active in several local hiking and nature groups and writes and co-edits hiking guides for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. He co-edited Hikes in the Washington Area, Part A, which includes Montgomery and Frederick Counties. His recently published book, The Compleat Ambler, is based in part on the blog Hiker’s Notebook, which was originally hosted on the Sierra Club Potomac Regional Outings website.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike with many stops. There is one short downhill section that may be rocky. Bring your hiking poles if needed.

• We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
• All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
• High school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
• No more than two children per adult.
• Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
• Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
• Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
• Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
• No pets, please.

All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

MMNS membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.