Come learn about the Chaga Mushroom: its uses, benefits and side effects.

Inonotus obliquus, commonly called chaga, is a fungus in the family Hymenochaetaceae. It is parasitic on birch and other trees. The sterile conk is irregularly formed and resembles burnt charcoal.

Join self-proclaimed "mushroom Maineiac" David Spahr and get the inside information on the wild mushrooms of the Northeast. Edible and medicinal mushrooms represent an opportunity for sustainably foraging and enjoying healthy, locally sourced food and present a potential for health benefits beyond good nutrition.

This presentation will cover finding, collecting, identifying and preparing the safe and common edible and medicinal mushroom species of Maine, New England, and Eastern Canada. Nature enthusiasts, cooks, foragers, herbalists, and others will enjoy and benefit from David's expertise. Topics will include matching species with appropriate foods, discovering mushrooms that contain unique medicinal properties, and exploring information about dyeing fabrics and paper.

David's book, Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada, will be available to purchase.

This two-hour course will include walking in the woods to find edible wild food along with detailed descriptions of plant habitat and structure of the plants. Bring: notebook and pen, basket, mesh or other bags, wax or brown paper bags, knife, bug repellant and hat, water or other refreshment and a snack, gloves, waterproof boots (preferred), tall socks into which you can tuck your pant legs. Optional: GPS, backpack, field guide, magnifying glass.

PLEASE NOTE: This walk will be along the Harrison Avenue Nature Trail. You must access Harrison Avenue from the Ash Street intersection (it is closed at the Rte 126 intersection). From Ash St. turn right onto Harrison and drive past the Road Closed sign to the parking area on the left side of the street. Meet either there or at the head of the trail.

This two-hour course includes a walk through the woods to find edible mushrooms along with detailed descriptions of habitat and structure of mushrooms. Most mushrooms found in nature are not edible, but learning this is more important than knowing which ones to eat. David Spahr has collected edible mushrooms for 45 years and is a member of the Maine Mycological Society and North American Mycological Association. He is on the Maine Mushroom Task Force developing rules for the foraging and sale of wild mushrooms. Minimum age is 12 with an adult.