Foray Guidelines

**we request that all mushroom hunters refrain from picking at walk and foray sites a minimum of 10 days before a scheduled event. It is only through our cooperation that we can maximize the probability of a good experience for all. Thanks!

Always

Stay in contact with other people on the foray. If leaving early, inform the walk leader so that people don't spend the afternoon combing the woods for you after you've already left! If you are foraging alone, let someone else know where you are going and when you plan to return

Bring

Weather-appropriate clothes

Sturdy walking shoes

A flat-bottomed basket

Small paper bags or egg flats to separate specimens

Books for identification

A small knife

A Brush. (being able to clean dirty mushrooms in the field will keep the rest of them cleaner)

Bug repellent

Two way radios (optional)

Some Other Tips

  • As over-picking (Picking an area clean) and early picking (picking mushrooms have not realeased spores yet ) can have a negative effect on future mushroom fruitings, make a point to leave some mushrooms behind.
  • Another way to help mushrooms propagate in their ideal environment is to make sure you gather mushrooms in a porous container such as a basket or a mesh bag. This way you spread spores as you walk around
  • Always keep mushrooms intended for eating and toxic or unknown mushrooms seperate while gathering and storing.
  • When gathering mushrooms for identification purposes, carry small paper or wax bags and index cards to record pertinent details and to keep specimens pristine until you get them home.
  • Learn to recognize poison ivy, sumac and oak
    • A note on Lyme Disease Click Here For More on Identification Back to MHMA Home