Mushroom Study
Workshops on identification, ecology and culture uses of mushrooms 

DESCRIPTION
Our seasonal workshops offer students an introduction to the identification, ecology and uses of wild mushrooms of the Gulf South. Day classes focus on laying the foundations in mushroom anatomy, diversity and habitats through group exercises and field walks to collect the bounty and share stories of the ecology and cultural uses of wild fungi. Occasionally we offer optional evening programs where we explore mushroom cultivation from several angles. Participants take home their own inoculated substrate for home incubation and later harvest. 

Instruction, materials and hand outs are included in price. Community meal available at additional cost. 
YOUR GUIDE: Logan Wiedenfeld was raised in southeast Texas and spent much of his youth fishing, hunting, and foraging in and along the marshes and mixed woods of the upper Texas Gulf Coast. What began as an interest in foraging for the table quickly grew to a broader interest in fungal taxonomy and ecology. He has discovered several new species of mushroom, including Amanita batonrougensis and Amanita audubonensis, both of which were found in south Louisiana. He is currently the president of Gulf States Mycological Society and has led mushroom walks for the Louisiana Master Naturalists.  Logan is an Assistant Professor of English at Alcorn State University in western Mississippi. He is married and has three children
YOUR GUIDE: Matthew Herron holds a M.S. from ULM where he studied ecological restoration of floodplain forests. Matthew has been a strong advocate for healthy land relationships for over 10 years. Matthew was co-founder of Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge and the Capital Area Native Plant Society and the current founder and education director for the Coastal Plains Outdoor School. Matthew is passionate about making the study of mushrooms more approachable for beginning learners and building tools to help people on their mushroom quests.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Samples are provided to help students understand general flow and breadth of the class and do not include all content details. Also, itineraries are subject to change at any time based on needs of students and the best judgement of the instructor(s).

  • 8:45 AM - Arrival and Check-In
  • 9 AM - Introductions
  • 9:30 AM - Mushroom Anatomy, Observation Skills, Interpretive Walk (ecological principles), Initial Foray
  • 11:30 AM -  Lunch and Learn - Edible and Useful Fungi Presentation
  • 12:00  PM - Classification, Practice ID with Mushroom Keys,  Mushrooms
  • 2:30 PM - Closing Circle, Q & A, 
  • 3:00 PM - End of Day Class
  • 4:00 PM - Begin Mushroom Cultivation, Biology, Substrates, Tools, Best Practices, Make Your Own Kit
  • 6:00 PM - End of Cultivation Program
PACKING LIST 
  • Day Pack - for water bottle, snacks, notebook, and CPOS learning tools issued at beginning of class
  • Reusable Water Bottle(s) 
  • Sturdy Footwear – hiking boots or shoes you don’t mind getting muddy/wet. 
  • Clothing/Layers – We recommend pants with a strong cloth material, even in the summer, to avoid exposure to brambles and hazards of the field. We sit on logs, sometimes the ground. Closed toed shoes are required.
  • Collecting Basket or Large Paper Bag– Optional, but if you have your own basket, bring it. We have some available for collecting mushrooms.
  • Wristwatch  - Please be on time for meet ups throughout the day.
  • Portable Field Notebook and Pen/Pencil – often needed as part of a learning exercises.  Please bring something you are comfortable carrying and utilizing frequently. 
  • Personal Meals –  If you did not sign up for a meal, please pack a lunch that is suitable for an outdoor setting and prepare to eat with the group
  • Thermos/coffee mug for coffee/tea/other complimentary beverage
ACCESSIBILITY:
At CPOS, we value diversity and want to make these programs available to all. If you would love to participate yet can’t pay for a workshop or program, please send us an email at [email protected]. We offer work-trade and scholarship options for most classes based on the needs and capacity of the individual. Write us and describe your needs and goals, what you can contribute, and how you might answer the call to "foster deeper relationships between land and people." ALSO, if you would like to donate money to provide scholarships to others, please let us know at the email above!

Upcoming Classes

Spring Mushrooms of the Bluffhills

$40.00 - $80.00

Description:

Join us for an introduction to the identification, ecology, and uses of wild mushrooms of the Gulf South. In this unique program, we quest for some of the more elusive spring ephemerals, such as the famous edible morel, elfin caps and other cup fungi. Using the specimens we find, we’ll lay the foundations in mushroom anatomy, diversity and habitats. An optional evening program explores mushroom cultivation from several angles. Participants will each take home their own inoculated substrate for home incubation and later harvest.


Instructors: Logan Wiedenfeld & Matthew Herron


Cost:

$60, day class includes instruction, materials and hand outs; lunch provided at additional cost.

$50 Optional Mushroom Cultivation workshop
Register

Summer Mushrooms of the Pineywoods

$40.00 - $80.00

Description:

Join us for an introduction to the identification, ecology, and uses of wild mushrooms of the Gulf South. This class lays the foundations in mushroom anatomy, diversity and habitats. We then foray into the woods to gather the bounty and share stories of our finds. An optional evening program explores mushroom cultivation from several angles. Participants will each take home their own inoculated substrate for home incubation and later harvest.


Instructors: Logan Wiedenfeld & Matthew Herron


Cost:

$60, day class includes instruction, materials and hand outs; lunch provided at additional cost.

$50 Optional Mushroom Cultivation workshop
Register
IMPORTANT NOTES
  • Refund Policy: Cancellations a minimum of one week prior to the class are eligible for a refund.
  • Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes early to the site so we can check you in and provide information and refreshments before we begin. The program will begin promptly at 9 am.
  • Physical Exertion: We will be harvesting/processing materials from the wild plants which involves physical exertion, bending over, using loppers and pruning sheers. Please let us know if this is a limitation so we can accommodate accordingly.
  • Weather: Please check the weather forecast on the days leading up to and the morning of the program and dress accordingly. In general, programs proceed rain or shine, excepting dangerous weather. 
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated is critical to having a safe and positive outdoor experience. Please consider beginning your hydration the night before, drinking plenty of water in the morning and drink water throughout the day. Always start the hike with a body, belly and bottles full of water!
  • Pets: Please do not bring dogs or other pets to educational classes, as they can become a distraction/limitation to your and the group’s learning process.
  • Facilities: Restroom are available at the weaving studio after the morning hike.
  • Harvesting Wild Plants: It is not advised to consume wild mushrooms without the aid of an experienced guide. While this class is designed to get you on the right path, always consult a reliable and experienced forager before consumption. Wild mushrooms should not be eaten raw as a general practice.
  • Pre-reading Article: Each class includes pre-reading for your enjoyment and to stimulate curiosity and conversation in the group. You are under no pressure to read it. Just know that reading it will enhance your experience and prime your mind for learning.
  • Community Spirit - We strive to create a supportive, cohesive group where everyone feels welcome to ask question and share their stories.  Please step up if you or someone you see needs help and recognize when it is time to step back and let others have the floor. Please also help keep time by watching the clock throughout the program.
  • Community Meals: If you signed up for a meal, we will provide the food but ask you help with setting tables and clean up afterwards. Meals are generally prepared in house and made with organic, fresh ingredients and lots of love. Feeding people is our love language.
  • Contact: Please keep the course coordinator’s phone number  in your phone, in case you are arriving late or need to reconnect with the group. This phone number is included in your registration email.
  • Waiver/Assumption of Risk:  All participants need to fill out a waiver prior to participation. You can either e-sign this document ahead of time or print it and bring the day of. Please inform us of any critical health concerns or allergies prior to the program. Your guide will have first aid and CPR training and a first aid kit for minor injuries.
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