This November, we’ll have two exciting ‘Exploring Mushrooms’ walks with local biologist Vail Paterson.

November 17, 1-3pm - Member Mushroom Walk - Meet at Portlock Park - tennis court parking at 12:30-12:45). If you aren’t currently a member, you can join NSS at the meeting place at special fall discount rate (see below).

Vail Paterson is an amateur mycologist and identification expert, who enthusiastically photographs and documents wild mushrooms. So far, he has found and identified over 300 species of mushroom on Salt Spring Island... including 10 species not previously observed here. These observations have been, verified through iNaturalist documentation and DNA sequencing. Vail initiated and moderates our local “Mushroom Enthusiasts of Salt Spring Island Facebook Group” and he serves as a "group expert" in several other Pacific Northwest mushroom groups. He frequently leads mushroom walks and biodiversity studies on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring.

During these mushroom walks you will learn some of the basics of mushroom identification. Vail will discuss the environmental impacts of mushroom picking; point out a edible and potentially toxic mushrooms of concern;  and talk about resources available for future study.

Mostly ... we'll just get out on the trail ... explore the forest... and see what we find ... in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable way.