Fungi Though the Seasons: Spring

Description: Discover the diverse fungi of Mason Mill Park and witness their changes through the seasons! This monthly program series, led by Eliza Crofts, will run May through October. Participants will explore various fungi habitats around the park and gather specimens for observation and identification. We will discuss mushroom hunting safety and tips, plus resources for further learning!

What to expect: We will gather in the lower parking lot, behind the Toco Hill/Avis G. Williams Library then walk the single-track dirt trails through the forest where we will explore as a group and then split up to independently search for mushrooms. At an appointed time, we will all meet back up at the starting point to look at all the fungi specimens we've collected. The full program lasts 2 hours.

Program leader: Your guide will be Eliza Crofts.

Where to meet: Find Eliza in the lower parking lot, behind the Toco Hill/Avis G. Williams Library near the entrance to Mason Mill Park.

What to bring: Wear appropriate closed-toe footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle and hiking sticks if you need them. We will be standing and walking at a gentle pace for 2 hours, on varied terrain with some slopes.

Recommended ages: This program content is designed for adults and older children. Please do not bring your babies or toddlers to this program (to make sure nobody eats a wild mushroom on accident)! Older children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Restrooms: Public restrooms are available near the Mason Mill Playground and inside the library, which opens at 10:00 am.

Dogs: This program is NOT appropriate for dogs, so please leave your pup at home.

Weather contingency: This program will be held, rain or shine, unless conditions are dangerous.

Walking distance: 1 mile

Exposure: This walk is fully under shaded tree canopy.

Trail surface & accessibility: This program follows single-track dirt trails and is not accessible for chair users or strollers. The dirt trails are less than 3 feet wide and have roots and rocks. Some trails are steep. Consider bringing hiking poles if your balance requires them. Questions if this program will work for your mobility? Contact Ranger Jonah: [email protected]

Waiver & Release: By registering for this activity, each participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that he/she is participating in this program at his/her own risk and holds DeKalb County and all its officers, agents, servants, and/or employees harmless from and against any and all claims, loss, damage, charge, or expense to which they or any of them may be put or subjected by reason of participant’s participation in this program. You further acknowledge that DeKalb County is not responsible for the acts of others participating in this program and the other participants may include, but not be limited to, interested individuals, members of civic groups, religious groups, or community group, and/or persons convicted of crimes and/or violations of County ordinances and ordered to provide community service. I give permission that all photographs, films, video recordings, and sound recordings of me and/or my child(ren) made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs during this Naturalist program may be used non- commercially by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs to promotion and educational purposes. I understand and acknowledge that neither my child(ren) nor I will receive any compensation whatsoever for appearing in any photograph, film, video recording, or sound recording made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs.

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Host or Publisher Ranger Jonah McDonald