Autumn is a prime time for studying mushrooms and the role fungus plays in relationship with the forest. Together we learned about symbiosis, learned to identify several species of gilled, pored, ridged and toothed mushrooms as well as understanding the parts of a mushroom and their functions by making anatomically accurate representations using clay and markers.

Below are some photos and program descriptions from previous programs.

FOREST MUSHROOMS 101  For families with young children ages 6 and up. Fascinated by fungi? Explore the local forest for gilled, pored, ridged and toothed mushrooms with naturalist David Alexander. We’ll learn their anatomy and create whimsical, yet realistic air-dry clay replicas of what we find.

FOREST MUSHROOM WALK & CERAMIC ART CLASS: Explore the local forest for gilled, pored, ridged and toothed mushrooms with naturalist David Alexander and return to Riker Hill artist Ivan Bratko’s studio to create whimsical, yet realistic hand-painted ceramic replicas of what is found. Together, learn mushroom anatomy, ceramics, firing and glazing. Fee: $40 per participant. Participants can schedule a follow-up visit to glaze and fire their ceramic art at a later date. (For an additional $20). Click HERE for registration information.

David Alexander is author of the Buzz Into Action & Hop Into Action Science Curricula.  He specializes in making nature accessible to people and wildlife.  You can follow him at www.natureintoaction.com