Fungi Though the Seasons: Fall

PARTNER EVENT Discover the diverse fungi of Mason Mill Park and witness their changes through the seasons! This monthly program series, led by Eliza Crofts, will run May through October. Participants will explore various fungi habitats around the park and gather specimens for observation and identification. We will discuss mushroom hunting safety and tips, plus resources for further learning! We will gather in the lower parking lot, behind the Toco Hill/Avis G. Williams Library then walk the single-track dirt trails through the forest where we will explore as a group and then split up to independently search for mushrooms. At an appointed time, we will all meet back up at the starting point to look at all the fungi specimens we've collected. The full program lasts 2 hours. Find Eliza in the lower parking lot, behind the Toco Hill/Avis G. Williams Library near the entrance to Mason Mill Park. Wear appropriate closed-toe footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle and hiking sticks if you need them. We will be standing and walking at a gentle pace for 2 hours, on varied terrain with some slopes. This program content is designed for adults and older children. Please do not bring your babies or toddlers to this program (to make sure nobody eats a wild mushroom on accident)! Older children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Public restrooms are available near the Mason Mill Playground and inside the library, which opens at 10:00 am. This program is NOT appropriate for dogs, so please leave your pup at home. Trail surface & accessibility: Walking distance: 1 mile. This walk is fully under shaded tree canopy. This program will be held, rain or shine, unless conditions are dangerous. This program follows single-track dirt trails and is not accessible for chair users or strollers. The dirt trails are less than 3 feet wide and have roots and rocks. Some trails are steep. Consider bringing hiking poles if your balance requires them. Questions if this program will work for your mobility? Contact Ranger Jonah: [email protected]. Register here and please note DeKalb County’s Waiver & Release.