About This Event

Join Ariel and Maria for a day of foraging fun at the Wargo Nature Center! The workshop will start with two slideshow presentations: one covering introductory information about wild mushroom foraging, and the other about wild edible plants we may find in the area. Afterwards, we will hit the trails to apply our newfound knowledge to the surrounding landscape. Bring your own bags or baskets, as students will have the opportunity to pick prolific plants and—if we get lucky—harvest mushrooms.

Expect to walk about 2 miles across maintained trails as well as off-trail into forests and fields. The terrain may require bushwhacking, walking over uneven ground, logs and other obstacles. This foray portion of the class will take around 2.5 hours. This event will take place rain or shine, so please arrive prepared for the weather!

Class fee: $100

This event is for adults 18+, or students 16+ with accompanying adult.

Your Instructors

Ariel Bonkoski (she/her)

Ariel Bonkoski is a self-taught mushroom identification expert that resides in Duluth, Minnesota. She has been studying fungi since 2016 and is now one of the most active mushroom identifiers in North America. Ariel has taught mushroom identification courses and led forays for colleges, public schools, mycological societies, and nature centers all over North America. Ariel is best known for her friendly and enthusiastic approach to teaching about mushrooms. She is an active Master Naturalist, with a passion for learning, giving back to nature, and connecting people to nature. Ariel spends much of her free time camping, hiking, and foraging.

Maria Wesserle (she/they)

Maria has been gathering wild edibles and tracking animals since 2004 and loves sharing these skills with others. She has spent over 15 years organizing and teaching nature-related programs in the Upper Midwest. Through her business Four Season Foraging, she offers foraging and wildlife tracking workshops, creating spaces where people can learn to interact with urban and rural environments in meaningful and sustainable ways. She is a certified wild mushroom harvester in the state of Minnesota and holds a Professional Track & Sign certificate from CyberTracker North America.

Registration

This event is being held in partnership with Anoka County Parks. Please register on their website.