2013 Calendar Details
MAY
Friday, May 3 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SPRING WILDFLOWERS
LOCATION: Guelph Arboretum (Guelph, Ont.)
This is really two workshops in one. In addition to learning how to identify our springtime flora we will go "beyond the field guide" to delve into interesting aspects of these plants' natural history, ecology, lore, and uses. Following a brief classroom session, the remainder of our time will be spent exploring the Arboretum's trails engaged in hands-on exercises and stimulating discussions. By the end of the day you will have learned more about our spring wildflowers than you ever imagined. Bring lunch, your favourite wildflower field guide, and a hand lens if you have one. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, May 4 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SPRING WILDFLOWERS
A repeat of the May 3 workshop. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, May 11 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
WILDFLOWER WORKSHOP
LOCATION: on private property near Ganaraska Forest
Learn all about our early spring flora, from identification to natural history to interesting lore. Cost for the entire workshop is $50, which includes a wonderful home-made lunch. For further details and to register, contact Richard at natureteacher1 (at) gmail.com.
Friday, May 24 1:30 - 4:00 pm
BIRDS DO IT, BEES DO IT ... AND SO DO PLANTS
LOCATION: MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Port Elgin, Ont.) - Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Learn how various plants "get it on" in order to perpetuate their species. We will encounter generalists, specialists, deceivers, and even some plants requiring no partners at all. Plants may lack the mobility of animals, but they still have very colourful private lives. Come find out what they're up to. or further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, May 25 1:30 - 4:00 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WEEDS
LOCATION: MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Port Elgin, Ont.) - Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Though often vilified, many weeds also have their "good sides." We will first consider what weeds are, where they come from, and how they spread once they arrive here. Then we will look at a variety of weeds and discuss how they have been used as food, medicine, and even inspired some unlikely inventions. Part botany, part cultural exploration, don't be surprised if you develop admiration and perhaps even a secret affection for the myriad "unwanted" plants all around us. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, May 26 1:30 - 4:00 pm
FROM LOUSEWORT TO SOLOMON'S SEAL
LOCATION: MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Port Elgin, Ont.) - Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Discover the intriguing meanings of wildflower names, both common and scientific. These names often allude to physical features, human attitudes, past or present uses, honoured individuals, or mythological beings. Whether native or introduced, valued or merely a "weed," the names of wildflowers have a story (or two) to tell. We will do our exploring along part of the Tower Trail. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, May 26 1:30 - 4:00 pm
HOLY HOGWEED! A Rogue's Gallery of Nettlesome and Poisonous Plants
LOCATION: MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Port Elgin, Ont.) - Huron Fringe Birding Festival
While the majority of Ontario's wild plants are benign, there is a small number best to avoid. From stings to blisters, to cuts and comas, learn which plants to stay clear of and what might happen if you don't. Along the way we will discuss historical figures ranging from Socrates to Abraham Lincoln's mother. As well, we will examine some unusual folk remedies, such as ingesting poison ivy leaves to help build immunity, and whether they have any merit. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SPRING WILDFLOWERS
LOCATION: Guelph Arboretum (Guelph, Ont.)
This is really two workshops in one. In addition to learning how to identify our springtime flora we will go "beyond the field guide" to delve into interesting aspects of these plants' natural history, ecology, lore, and uses. Following a brief classroom session, the remainder of our time will be spent exploring the Arboretum's trails engaged in hands-on exercises and stimulating discussions. By the end of the day you will have learned more about our spring wildflowers than you ever imagined. Bring lunch, your favourite wildflower field guide, and a hand lens if you have one. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, May 4 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SPRING WILDFLOWERS
A repeat of the May 3 workshop. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, May 11 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
WILDFLOWER WORKSHOP
LOCATION: on private property near Ganaraska Forest
Learn all about our early spring flora, from identification to natural history to interesting lore. Cost for the entire workshop is $50, which includes a wonderful home-made lunch. For further details and to register, contact Richard at natureteacher1 (at) gmail.com.
Friday, May 24 1:30 - 4:00 pm
BIRDS DO IT, BEES DO IT ... AND SO DO PLANTS
LOCATION: MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Port Elgin, Ont.) - Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Learn how various plants "get it on" in order to perpetuate their species. We will encounter generalists, specialists, deceivers, and even some plants requiring no partners at all. Plants may lack the mobility of animals, but they still have very colourful private lives. Come find out what they're up to. or further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, May 25 1:30 - 4:00 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WEEDS
LOCATION: MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Port Elgin, Ont.) - Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Though often vilified, many weeds also have their "good sides." We will first consider what weeds are, where they come from, and how they spread once they arrive here. Then we will look at a variety of weeds and discuss how they have been used as food, medicine, and even inspired some unlikely inventions. Part botany, part cultural exploration, don't be surprised if you develop admiration and perhaps even a secret affection for the myriad "unwanted" plants all around us. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, May 26 1:30 - 4:00 pm
FROM LOUSEWORT TO SOLOMON'S SEAL
LOCATION: MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Port Elgin, Ont.) - Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Discover the intriguing meanings of wildflower names, both common and scientific. These names often allude to physical features, human attitudes, past or present uses, honoured individuals, or mythological beings. Whether native or introduced, valued or merely a "weed," the names of wildflowers have a story (or two) to tell. We will do our exploring along part of the Tower Trail. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, May 26 1:30 - 4:00 pm
HOLY HOGWEED! A Rogue's Gallery of Nettlesome and Poisonous Plants
LOCATION: MacGregor Point Provincial Park (Port Elgin, Ont.) - Huron Fringe Birding Festival
While the majority of Ontario's wild plants are benign, there is a small number best to avoid. From stings to blisters, to cuts and comas, learn which plants to stay clear of and what might happen if you don't. Along the way we will discuss historical figures ranging from Socrates to Abraham Lincoln's mother. As well, we will examine some unusual folk remedies, such as ingesting poison ivy leaves to help build immunity, and whether they have any merit. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
JUNE
Saturday, June 1 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
THE SECRET LIVES OF WILDFLOWERS
LOCATION: High Park (Toronto, Ont.) - High Park Nature Centre
The first in a series of three workshops (the others are on July 6 and Aug 17) that explore the diverse flora of High Park. The workshops can be taken separately or as a package (with a slight savings). At these workshops, you will:
Saturday, June 15 9:45 am - 4:30 pm
ROUGE PARK ODONATE SURVEY
LOCATION: Rouge Park, Scarborough
I am one of the co-founders of this survey of dragonflies & damselflies, now in its fourth year. I will be one of the team leaders for today's site visits. New participants, especially those with some experience, are always welcome.
THE SECRET LIVES OF WILDFLOWERS
LOCATION: High Park (Toronto, Ont.) - High Park Nature Centre
The first in a series of three workshops (the others are on July 6 and Aug 17) that explore the diverse flora of High Park. The workshops can be taken separately or as a package (with a slight savings). At these workshops, you will:
- practice using a field guide so you can identify flowers yourself
- use a hand lens to appreciate the tiniest details
- discover adaptations that help flower survival
- identify native and non-native species
- find rare species that you may have never seen before
- learn the fascinating histories of common “weed” species
- see the changes as flowers go through their seasonal cycles
Saturday, June 15 9:45 am - 4:30 pm
ROUGE PARK ODONATE SURVEY
LOCATION: Rouge Park, Scarborough
I am one of the co-founders of this survey of dragonflies & damselflies, now in its fourth year. I will be one of the team leaders for today's site visits. New participants, especially those with some experience, are always welcome.
JULY
Saturday, July 6 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
THE SECRET LIVES OF WILDFLOWERS: MIDSUMMER WORKSHOP
LOCATION: High Park (Toronto, Ont.) - High Park Nature Centre
The second in a series of three workshops (the others are on June 1 and Aug 17) to explore the diverse flora of High Park. The workshops can be taken separately or as a package (with a slight savings). At these workshops, you will:
Friday, July 12 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SUMMER WILDFLOWERS
LOCATION: Guelph Arboretum (Guelph, Ont.)
Similar in format to 'The Wonderful World of Spring Wildflowers' workshop (see May 3 & 4 listings), the day will be spent outdoors engaged in a blend of hands-on exercises and stimulating discussions as we explore the natural history, ecology, lore and uses of dozens of wildflower species. From plants studied by Charles Darwin to little-known uses of milkweed, be prepared to go “beyond the field guide.” Bring lunch, your favourite wildflower field guide, and a hand lens if you have one. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, July 14 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES
LOCATION: Durham region
Richard Aaron (co-founder of the Rouge Park odonate survey) will be leading this outing, being held jointly between the Toronto Entomologists' Association and the Pickering Naturalists. This all-day field trip (finishing around 4:00-4:30 p.m.) is a great opportunity to work on your odonate identification skills. We will visit a diverse range of habitats including fields, streams and ponds. We expect to see a good variety of odonate species. This trip is limited to 16 people with priority given to TEA and PN members. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, July 21 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
GLENCAIRN NATURE RESERVE - GENERAL NATURE HIKE
LOCATION: Creemore, Ont.
Spend the day exploring one of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy's newest properties, the two kilometre long Glencairn Nature Reserve, which is nestled beside the Mad River and on the Ganaraska Trail. Our leader will be Richard Aaron, who will show us the wildflowers, trees, shrubs and ferns found on this outstanding property. Richard will also discuss the ecology, natural history, lore and uses of many of the species we encounter. Cost: $20 per person or $30 per family. This is part of the EBC's Walk with Us program to encourage visits to its nature reserves. For further details and to register, click |HERE| (and then scroll down to page 6 of newsletter).
THE SECRET LIVES OF WILDFLOWERS: MIDSUMMER WORKSHOP
LOCATION: High Park (Toronto, Ont.) - High Park Nature Centre
The second in a series of three workshops (the others are on June 1 and Aug 17) to explore the diverse flora of High Park. The workshops can be taken separately or as a package (with a slight savings). At these workshops, you will:
- practice using a field guide so you can identify flowers yourself
- use a hand lens to appreciate the tiniest details
- discover adaptations that help flower survival
- identify native and non-native species
- find rare species that you may have never seen before
- learn the fascinating histories of common “weed” species
- see the changes as flowers go through their seasonal cycles
Friday, July 12 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SUMMER WILDFLOWERS
LOCATION: Guelph Arboretum (Guelph, Ont.)
Similar in format to 'The Wonderful World of Spring Wildflowers' workshop (see May 3 & 4 listings), the day will be spent outdoors engaged in a blend of hands-on exercises and stimulating discussions as we explore the natural history, ecology, lore and uses of dozens of wildflower species. From plants studied by Charles Darwin to little-known uses of milkweed, be prepared to go “beyond the field guide.” Bring lunch, your favourite wildflower field guide, and a hand lens if you have one. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, July 14 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES
LOCATION: Durham region
Richard Aaron (co-founder of the Rouge Park odonate survey) will be leading this outing, being held jointly between the Toronto Entomologists' Association and the Pickering Naturalists. This all-day field trip (finishing around 4:00-4:30 p.m.) is a great opportunity to work on your odonate identification skills. We will visit a diverse range of habitats including fields, streams and ponds. We expect to see a good variety of odonate species. This trip is limited to 16 people with priority given to TEA and PN members. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, July 21 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
GLENCAIRN NATURE RESERVE - GENERAL NATURE HIKE
LOCATION: Creemore, Ont.
Spend the day exploring one of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy's newest properties, the two kilometre long Glencairn Nature Reserve, which is nestled beside the Mad River and on the Ganaraska Trail. Our leader will be Richard Aaron, who will show us the wildflowers, trees, shrubs and ferns found on this outstanding property. Richard will also discuss the ecology, natural history, lore and uses of many of the species we encounter. Cost: $20 per person or $30 per family. This is part of the EBC's Walk with Us program to encourage visits to its nature reserves. For further details and to register, click |HERE| (and then scroll down to page 6 of newsletter).
AUGUST
Saturday, Aug 17 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
THE SECRET LIVES OF WILDFLOWERS: LATE SUMMER WORKSHOP
LOCATION: High Park (Toronto, Ont.) - High Park Nature Centre
The third in a series of three workshops (the others are on June 1 and July 6) that explore the diverse flora of High Park. The workshops can be taken separately or as a package (with a slight savings). At these workshops, you will:
Saturday, Aug 24 10:00-11:30 am & 1:00-2:30 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WEEDS
LOCATION: The Riverwood Conservancy (Mississauga, Ont.)
Love 'em or hate 'em, many weeds are fascinating characters. Learn what makes them so successful and the many uses humans have found for them, including food, medicine, and some very unlikely inventions. Part botany, part cultural exploration, don't be surprised if you develop admiration and perhaps even a secret affection for these uninvited plants guests. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
THE SECRET LIVES OF WILDFLOWERS: LATE SUMMER WORKSHOP
LOCATION: High Park (Toronto, Ont.) - High Park Nature Centre
The third in a series of three workshops (the others are on June 1 and July 6) that explore the diverse flora of High Park. The workshops can be taken separately or as a package (with a slight savings). At these workshops, you will:
- practice using a field guide so you can identify flowers yourself
- use a hand lens to appreciate the tiniest details
- discover adaptations that help flower survival
- identify native and non-native species
- find rare species that you may have never seen before
- learn the fascinating histories of common “weed” species
- see the changes as flowers go through their seasonal cycles
Saturday, Aug 24 10:00-11:30 am & 1:00-2:30 pm
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WEEDS
LOCATION: The Riverwood Conservancy (Mississauga, Ont.)
Love 'em or hate 'em, many weeds are fascinating characters. Learn what makes them so successful and the many uses humans have found for them, including food, medicine, and some very unlikely inventions. Part botany, part cultural exploration, don't be surprised if you develop admiration and perhaps even a secret affection for these uninvited plants guests. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
SEPTEMBER
Saturday, Sept 7 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
MUSHROOM FORAY
LOCATION: Webster Park, Rochester, NY
RAMA (Rochester Area Mycological Association) has invited me to be an "unofficial" co-leader for this outing. In that capacity, I am assisting with identifying the specimens that are collected by foray participants.
Sunday, Sept 8 2:00-4:00 pm
GENERAL NATURE HIKE
LOCATION: Wesley Hill Nature Preserve
Springwater Trails, a hiking club in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, has invited me to be a guest naturalist on today's hike.
Saturday, Sept 14 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF MUSHROOMS
LOCATION: Haileybury, Ont.
A new location for this year with some interesting habitats to explore. While the focus will be on learning to identify the specimens we collect, there will also be discussions on fungal natural history and ecology, various uses, and making sense of the scientific names. You will be given a species checklist so you can record the day's finds, plus an extensive list of resources. Field guides and 10-power hand lenses will be available for use, but bring your own if you have. For details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, Sept 15 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF MUSHROOMS
LOCATION: Haileybury, Ont.
A repeat of the Sept 14 workshop. For details and to register, click |HERE|.
Friday, Sept 20 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
MUSHROOM WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
LOCATION: Guelph Arboretum (Guelph, Ont.)
This all-day workshop will focus on developing your fungal identification skills. Following a guided walk in the wooded areas of the Arboretum in the morning, we will devote much of the afternoon to further identifying our finds in the classroom. In addition, there will be discussions on topics ranging from the crucial roles mushrooms play in the environment to cool natural history facts and intriguing scientific names. Each person will be provided with a checklist to record the day's finds and a list of suggested resources (field guides, periodicals, web sites). For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, Sept 21 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
MUSHROOM WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
LOCATION: Guelph Arboretum (Guelph, Ont.)
A repeat of the Sept 20 workshop. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, Sept 22 9:30 am -5:00 pm
MUSHROOMS ON THE MORAINE: FALL SEASON I
LOCATION: Koffler Scientific Reserve (Newmarket, Ont.)
Suitable for all levels of experience, this hands-on workshop will help you learn to identify many of the fascinating mushrooms and other fungi found at this time of year. The morning will consist of a guided walk, followed by the gathering of specimens. The afternoon will be spent in the classroom identifying our finds with the aid of field guides and the guidance of the instructor. Throughout the day there will be discussions ranging from fungal natural history and ecology, to various uses, to deciphering the scientific names. Each participant will receive a species checklist to record the day's finds plus an extensive list of resources. Field guides will be available for use, but bring any favourites you may have. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Note: This is the first of two workshops to be held at Koffler Scientific Reserve this fall (the other date is Oct 6). These workshops may be taken separately, or can be combined as a way to maximize your knowledge. There will be a number of new species seen at each workshop.
Tuesday, Sept 24 3:00-5:00 pm & Wednesday, Sept 25 3:00-5:00 pm
OUTDOOR LAB SESSIONS
LOCATION: University of Guelph
I am guest instructing both days for a 3rd-year class at the University of Guelph.
Saturday, Sept 28 10:00-4:00 pm
MUSHROOM OUTING (private)
LOCATION: Shelburne area
We will be exploring the fungal diversity on my host's 450-acre property.
Sunday, Sept 29 9:00-5:00 pm
MUSHROOM OUTING (private)
LOCATION: near Ganaraska Forest
We will be exploring the fungal diversity on my host's 50-acre property.
MUSHROOM FORAY
LOCATION: Webster Park, Rochester, NY
RAMA (Rochester Area Mycological Association) has invited me to be an "unofficial" co-leader for this outing. In that capacity, I am assisting with identifying the specimens that are collected by foray participants.
Sunday, Sept 8 2:00-4:00 pm
GENERAL NATURE HIKE
LOCATION: Wesley Hill Nature Preserve
Springwater Trails, a hiking club in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, has invited me to be a guest naturalist on today's hike.
Saturday, Sept 14 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF MUSHROOMS
LOCATION: Haileybury, Ont.
A new location for this year with some interesting habitats to explore. While the focus will be on learning to identify the specimens we collect, there will also be discussions on fungal natural history and ecology, various uses, and making sense of the scientific names. You will be given a species checklist so you can record the day's finds, plus an extensive list of resources. Field guides and 10-power hand lenses will be available for use, but bring your own if you have. For details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, Sept 15 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF MUSHROOMS
LOCATION: Haileybury, Ont.
A repeat of the Sept 14 workshop. For details and to register, click |HERE|.
Friday, Sept 20 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
MUSHROOM WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
LOCATION: Guelph Arboretum (Guelph, Ont.)
This all-day workshop will focus on developing your fungal identification skills. Following a guided walk in the wooded areas of the Arboretum in the morning, we will devote much of the afternoon to further identifying our finds in the classroom. In addition, there will be discussions on topics ranging from the crucial roles mushrooms play in the environment to cool natural history facts and intriguing scientific names. Each person will be provided with a checklist to record the day's finds and a list of suggested resources (field guides, periodicals, web sites). For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, Sept 21 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
MUSHROOM WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS
LOCATION: Guelph Arboretum (Guelph, Ont.)
A repeat of the Sept 20 workshop. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Sunday, Sept 22 9:30 am -5:00 pm
MUSHROOMS ON THE MORAINE: FALL SEASON I
LOCATION: Koffler Scientific Reserve (Newmarket, Ont.)
Suitable for all levels of experience, this hands-on workshop will help you learn to identify many of the fascinating mushrooms and other fungi found at this time of year. The morning will consist of a guided walk, followed by the gathering of specimens. The afternoon will be spent in the classroom identifying our finds with the aid of field guides and the guidance of the instructor. Throughout the day there will be discussions ranging from fungal natural history and ecology, to various uses, to deciphering the scientific names. Each participant will receive a species checklist to record the day's finds plus an extensive list of resources. Field guides will be available for use, but bring any favourites you may have. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Note: This is the first of two workshops to be held at Koffler Scientific Reserve this fall (the other date is Oct 6). These workshops may be taken separately, or can be combined as a way to maximize your knowledge. There will be a number of new species seen at each workshop.
Tuesday, Sept 24 3:00-5:00 pm & Wednesday, Sept 25 3:00-5:00 pm
OUTDOOR LAB SESSIONS
LOCATION: University of Guelph
I am guest instructing both days for a 3rd-year class at the University of Guelph.
Saturday, Sept 28 10:00-4:00 pm
MUSHROOM OUTING (private)
LOCATION: Shelburne area
We will be exploring the fungal diversity on my host's 450-acre property.
Sunday, Sept 29 9:00-5:00 pm
MUSHROOM OUTING (private)
LOCATION: near Ganaraska Forest
We will be exploring the fungal diversity on my host's 50-acre property.
OCTOBER
Tues, Oct 1 (8:00 pm) - Fri, Oct 4 (4:00 pm)
FABULOUS FALL FUNGI
LOCATION: Queen's University Biological Station (Chaffey's Locks, Ont.)
New this year - An extra night's accommodation and an additional breakfast have been added.
The main emphasis of this three-day workshop is on learning to identify a wide variety of mushrooms and other fungi growing at this time of year (last year we collected & identified 142 species). This will be co_mplemented by lectures and discussions on fungal ecology, edibles & medicinals, and how to demystify the scientific names. If time permits, we will also look at slime moulds, a fascinating group of organisms traditionally studied by mycologists. Suitable for all levels, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to become better acquainted with the wonderful world of fungi. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, Oct 5 12 noon - 5:00 pm
MUSHROOMS AND OTHER FUNGI 101
LOCATION: High Park (Toronto, Ont.) (Host: High Park Nature Centre)
Following a guided walk in the woodlands, we will use field guides to identify our fungal finds back at the Nature Centre. Discussions will focus on intriguing species, uses (ecological, edible, medicinal, etc.), and the meanings of the scientific names. A checklist will be provided along with a list of suggested resources. This workshop is a must for any naturalist hoping to develop their fungal identification skills. For further details and to register, click |HERE|. Register by Sept 14 to get the Early Bird registration fee.
Sunday, Oct 6 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
MUSHROOMS ON THE MORAINE: FALL SEASON II
LOCATION: Koffler Scientific Reserve (Newmarket, Ont.)
Suitable for all levels of experience, this hands-on workshop will help you learn to identify many of the fascinating mushrooms and other fungi found at this time of year. The morning will consist of a guided walk, followed by the gathering of specimens. The afternoon will be spent in the classroom identifying our finds with the aid of field guides and the guidance of the instructor. Throughout the day there will be discussions ranging from fungal natural history and ecology, to various uses, to deciphering the scientific names. Each participant will receive a species checklist to record the day's finds plus an extensive list of resources. Field guides will be available for use, but bring any favourites you may have. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Note: This is the second of two workshops to be held at Koffler Scientific Reserve this fall (the other date is Sept 22). These workshops may be taken separately, or can be combined as a way to maximize your knowledge. There will be a number of new species seen at each workshop.
Saturday, Oct 12 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
MUSHROOM FORAY
LOCATION: Midhurst area
Co-leading an outing for the Mycological Society of Toronto. Details: www.myctor.org.
Saturday, Oct 19 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
LEARN ABOUT THE FUNGUS AMONG US
LOCATION: Koffler Scientific Reserve (Newmarket, Ont.)
Join us for a stimulating day in the woods on a beginners' ID walk to learn about mushroom identification, ecology, natural history, and uses. Host: Sierra Club of Canada (Ontario Chapter). For details, click on informational flyer |HERE|.
Sunday, Oct 20 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
MUSHROOM FORAY
LOCATION: York Regional Forest (Aurora area)
Co-leading an outing for the Mycological Society of Toronto. Details: www.myctor.org.
FABULOUS FALL FUNGI
LOCATION: Queen's University Biological Station (Chaffey's Locks, Ont.)
New this year - An extra night's accommodation and an additional breakfast have been added.
The main emphasis of this three-day workshop is on learning to identify a wide variety of mushrooms and other fungi growing at this time of year (last year we collected & identified 142 species). This will be co_mplemented by lectures and discussions on fungal ecology, edibles & medicinals, and how to demystify the scientific names. If time permits, we will also look at slime moulds, a fascinating group of organisms traditionally studied by mycologists. Suitable for all levels, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to become better acquainted with the wonderful world of fungi. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Saturday, Oct 5 12 noon - 5:00 pm
MUSHROOMS AND OTHER FUNGI 101
LOCATION: High Park (Toronto, Ont.) (Host: High Park Nature Centre)
Following a guided walk in the woodlands, we will use field guides to identify our fungal finds back at the Nature Centre. Discussions will focus on intriguing species, uses (ecological, edible, medicinal, etc.), and the meanings of the scientific names. A checklist will be provided along with a list of suggested resources. This workshop is a must for any naturalist hoping to develop their fungal identification skills. For further details and to register, click |HERE|. Register by Sept 14 to get the Early Bird registration fee.
Sunday, Oct 6 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
MUSHROOMS ON THE MORAINE: FALL SEASON II
LOCATION: Koffler Scientific Reserve (Newmarket, Ont.)
Suitable for all levels of experience, this hands-on workshop will help you learn to identify many of the fascinating mushrooms and other fungi found at this time of year. The morning will consist of a guided walk, followed by the gathering of specimens. The afternoon will be spent in the classroom identifying our finds with the aid of field guides and the guidance of the instructor. Throughout the day there will be discussions ranging from fungal natural history and ecology, to various uses, to deciphering the scientific names. Each participant will receive a species checklist to record the day's finds plus an extensive list of resources. Field guides will be available for use, but bring any favourites you may have. For further details and to register, click |HERE|.
Note: This is the second of two workshops to be held at Koffler Scientific Reserve this fall (the other date is Sept 22). These workshops may be taken separately, or can be combined as a way to maximize your knowledge. There will be a number of new species seen at each workshop.
Saturday, Oct 12 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
MUSHROOM FORAY
LOCATION: Midhurst area
Co-leading an outing for the Mycological Society of Toronto. Details: www.myctor.org.
Saturday, Oct 19 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
LEARN ABOUT THE FUNGUS AMONG US
LOCATION: Koffler Scientific Reserve (Newmarket, Ont.)
Join us for a stimulating day in the woods on a beginners' ID walk to learn about mushroom identification, ecology, natural history, and uses. Host: Sierra Club of Canada (Ontario Chapter). For details, click on informational flyer |HERE|.
Sunday, Oct 20 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
MUSHROOM FORAY
LOCATION: York Regional Forest (Aurora area)
Co-leading an outing for the Mycological Society of Toronto. Details: www.myctor.org.