This event is SOLD OUT. To be placed on the waiting list, please email judi@grandfather.com with your name, phone number and the number of tickets you are interested in reserving.

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.