The Fascinating World of Mushrooms- Walk & Learn at Wolf Trap National Park

Join William Needham on a fungi journey around Wolf Trap National Park For The Performing Arts. Come with questions and mushrooms from your backyard as we dive into this underrepresented kingdom of fungi. William will introduce us to the region's most distinctive and delicious species, followed by a guided walk through the rich woods of Wolf Trap National Park. Learn to identify species fruiting in the late summer and strategies and techniques for the ethical and sustainable harvesting of wild mushrooms. We will learn more about their historic use, medicinal properties, ecological functions, edibility, and more.

William Needham is a Master Naturalist in Maryland and past president of the Mycological Association of Washington DC. He has extensive field and practical experience with fungi. He is also active with several hiking and nature groups in the area and writes and co-edits hiking guides for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, including Hikes in the Washington Area, Part A, which includes Montgomery and Frederick Counties, and the recently published Civil War Trails of the Mid-Atlantic Region. His recently published book, The Compleat Ambler, is based in part on the blog Hiker’s Notebook that was originally hosted on the Sierra Club Potomac Regional Outings web site. His latest book is entitled The Green Nuclear Option, addressing the need to confront climate change carbon emissions.

All ages welcomed

This Event is FREE however Space is limited to the first 50 registered participants so please register early as we expect this Event to be SOLD OUT. If you pre-register and cannot make it, PLEASE use Eventbrite to Cancel as we are sure to have a waiting list for this Event.

Meeting Location: Behind the Filene Center in Lot 1.

Directions: Turn into Wolf Trap’s main entrance at the digital marquee sign (1551 Trap Road, Vienna), and bend immediately to the right. At the circle, turn right just before the wooden box office area and follow the road around the back of the Filene Center to Lot 1

Prepare: Wear clothing and shoes suitable for woods trail walking and the weather. Rain or shine. You may want to bring a magnifying glass, sun and bug protection, water, a basic first aid kit and your cell phone for taking photos of the mushrooms.

Leave No Trace. Please do NOT pick nor eat the mushrooms. Mushrooms are an important part of our eco-system.

Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability Attendees assume all risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense of any kind that attendee may experience or incur in connection with attending the event. Specifically relating to the COVID, attendees acknowledges the contagious nature of COVID and voluntarily assumes the risk of exposure or infection by attending the event. Attendee hereby releases, covenants not to sue, discharges and hold harmless Friends of Wolf Trap, its volunteers, members, and guests, of and from any such claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto.

Your participation means you give your consent to be photographed, filmed or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition or reproduction of and all recorded media of your appearance, your voice, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity including, by way of example ony, use on social media.

N OTE: In the case of inclimate weather, this event will be rescheduled.

Mushroom photo images credit H. Rehacek

Host or Publisher Eventbrite Friends of Wolf Trap National Park