A guided walk and community science experience with Mycologist Meg Madden

Monday, September 23, 2024
9:30am - 12:00pm Huntington, Vermont

Are you fungi-curious? Do you see interesting mushrooms in your travels and wish you knew more about these fascinating organisms? On this walk we will explore the woods and learn about the mushrooms we find along the way including what they are, how to identify them, and the essential roles fungi play in their ecosystems. We will also discuss the importance of community science and learn tips and tricks for taking mushroom photos.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bring your questions and curiosity! A smartphone equipped with the iNaturalist app is a plus, but not required. 

Trail/accessibility information: The walk will be at a slower-than-usual-pace with many pauses and will cover less than 1 mile. The maintained trails are unchallenging, are of bare earth, uneven at times and flat without hills or climbs.  There are roots and rocks throughout.  The conditions of the trails will vary from season to season and day to day. Expect mosquitos and please take tick prevention steps. An interactive trail map is available here: https://vt.audubon.org/visit-us 

About Meg Madden:

Fungi educator, author, and professional photographer, Meg Madden, can often be found in the forests of her childhood practicing what she calls “mushroom yoga" -- laying on the ground, standing on her head, or balancing precariously on a log -- to capture the perfect snail's-eye view of her favorite photo subject: Fungi! Her colorful, highly detailed mushroom portraits offer an intimate look into the often-overlooked world of these extraordinary organisms. Inspired by the belief that people are more likely to take care of something they love, she finds great joy in facilitating fun and meaningful connections between humans and nature. Meg shares her knowledge and contagious passion for the fantastic world of fungi through visually engaging presentations, mushroom walks, and via her Instagram gallery @SporeStories . An advocate for fungal diversity and community science, Meg teaches iNaturalist classes, organizes educational workshops and Bioblitzes, and is compiling an Atlas Of Fungi for the state of Vermont.

Program Fee + Registration:

Registration is required for all participants and capped at a total of 15 people. We are shifting to a "pay what you can" model for select programs. We have a suggested ticket fee of $20/person. Ticket purchases help cover our presenter fee. If you can pay  slightly more, you help a neighbor attend who needs to pay less, supporting community learning and growth.

Thank you for your support!

Become an Audubon Member at any time with a donation. Learn more: https://vt.audubon.org/ways-give/