An introduction to the mushrooms of Central California. Nothing is more elusive and mysterious than the wild mushroom. Who hasn’t heard about chanterelles, morels, and boletes?

After beginning with an indoor lecture using slide images and dried specimens, we will then embark on a fungal foray to 1-2 local sites that will give students an introduction to the characteristics of mushrooms, common families and some of the more distinctive edible and toxic mushrooms.

This is one class where we hope for rain! Want to find mushrooms? Gotta be willing to get your boots wet!

Sterling Sam is an Adjunct Professor of Botany, certified with the University of California, California State Universities, and California Community Colleges. He is a former student of the late SFSU Harry Thiers, Humboldt State University Professor David Largent, and Duke Professor Terry Johnson. He has hunted mushrooms for more than 45 years and taught about them since 1978.

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley then driving by car caravan to foraging destinations

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

Small knife, paper or waxed bags, and a cloth bag or basket

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering unless further than 6’ from other participants in an outdoor class

• All participants may be required to wear masks for indoor classes per current CDC and county recommendations at the time of class

• Bring your own food and water

• The sharing of equipment will be minimized and when necessary will include sanitizing before and after use.

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.