Adult Field Course: Fungi in the Cloud Forest

The southern Appalachians are world-renowned for different types of fungi, from mushrooms to lichens, and are home to more than 2,000 species. Here’s a chance to learn about the lifestyle and habitats of fungi, as well as observe many kinds of fungal fruiting bodies, including mushrooms growing at higher elevations. Participants will learn how to identify them by size, shape and color. You will also inoculate a log with shiitake mushroom mycelium to take home with you. After an interactive introduction to the fungi kingdom, that includes inoculating the logs, we’ll take a short slow stroll in search of mushrooms growing on the mountain to collect representatives of different fungal families to study back in the classroom. Through this workshop and field exploration, you’ll learn about fungal habitats, toxicology and the important roles fungi play in the forest ecosystem. The workshop is designed for beginners, but veteran foragers will also glean new insights.

Julie Mullis has been smitten with all aspects of fungi for the past 25 years, starting when she keyed out an interesting-looking mushroom during a slow, rainy park ranger season. She has taught many fungi programs and workshops for the community and for the parks where she has worked. She is currently in her 14th season as an interpretive ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway, currently working north of Boone at Brinegar Cabin in Doughton Park. She has also enjoyed seasons as an environmental educator in Tongass National Forest in Alaska, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkesboro and at Grandfather Mountain.

Program Itinerary

10 a.m. – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Interactive illustrated discussion on the fungi kingdom and the key families

Fungal lifestyles and how they eat, grow and reproduce

Importance of fungi to humans and other organisms

Intriguing representatives of various fungal families

12 – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch (Bring your own or purchase from Mildred’s grill)

12:30 – 2 p.m. – Inoculate shiitake logs

2 – 3:15 p.m. – Stroll along Woods Walk Trail to look for mushrooms and other fungal fruiting bodies

3:15 – 4 p.m. – Discussion back in classroom about mushrooms and fruiting bodies found on stroll with wrap up and evaluations

Tickets

This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on June 8, at 10 a.m. Limited to 12 participants.

What’s included?

Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees.

Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would lik...