Fungi of the Northwoods

UPDATE 9/12/2025: The limit of 20 students has been reached for this class with field foray. However, if you have not yet registered and would like to take just the classroom portion, without the field foray, we’re now accepting a limited number of registrations for $10. The registration form is below.

This class will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Plum Lake Library in Sayner, Wis., with Anne Small. A two-hour outdoor field foray will immediately follow.

Have you been curious about mushrooms, how and where to find them, which ones are good to eat or use medicinally? This class will present an overview of the biology of macro-fungi and their roles in our environment.  Common Northwoods species will be discussed, including both edible and poisonous.  Tips on collection, identification and preparation will also be shared, followed by a field foray to put these skills into action.

These topics will be covered:

• Basics of fungal biology and roles within the environment
• Review of common fungi in our region
• Discussion of collection practices, preparation techniques for use as food and medicine
• Exploration of fungi finds in the field at a local forest trail

Requirements: Please bring a notebook with pen and a sturdy basket for collection of specimens. Optional is to bring your own fungi guidebook. The field portion of the class will be at an area trail, which does have some areas of roots and moderate terrain. Pace will be slow, so not very strenuous. Good hiking shoes are recommended.

This class is limited to 20 students.

Instructor: Anne Small

Online Registration: Scroll down to our Registration form to register online!
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Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.

Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.

Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.

Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.