DATES: October 4-8 2010 (detailed schedule below)

APPLICATION DETAILS | HERE |

POSTER | HERE |

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this four-day workshop, you will learn to identify the wide variety of mushrooms and other fungi growing in great abundance at this time of year. Time will also be spent discussing fungal ecology, edibles & medicinals, and how to demystify the scientific names. As well, we will look at slime moulds, a fascinating group of organisms traditionally studied by mycologists. Suitable for all levels, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to increase your FQ (Fungal Quotient).

Maximum: 14 adults

INSTRUCTOR BIO

Richard Aaron, B.A., M.B.A.

Richard is a seasoned naturalist with a wide range of interests. He has lead walks, conducted workshops and presented lectures on a variety of topics to more than three dozen organizations in Canada and the States. He has also worked as a provincial park naturalist.

Richard is one of the most knowledge people in the province when it comes to fungi. He has conducted public and private mushroom surveys, founded a microscope study group, and created a field checklist which is used by several mushroom clubs. In 2000, he was the subject of a feature article in Seasons magazine (now ON Nature magazine) which followed him around as he led a guided mushroom walk. Witty, passionate and knowledgeable, he is the perfect guide to introduce you to the mysterious and intriguing world of mushrooms and other fungi.


LOCATION

The workshop will be held at Queen’s University Biological Station, located near Chaffey’s Lock, about 50 km north of Kingston, Ontario. Further information about the Biological Station can be found at http://www.queensu.ca/biology/html.


COST

The fee for the workshop is $425. Fees are all inclusive  covering instruction, meals and accommodation at the Biological Station. The Biological Station does not provide bedding or bath items. Participants will need to bring bedding for a single bed (or a sleeping bag), a pillow, towel and facecloth, and personal toiletries.


PROGRAMME

Monday, October 4
  - arrive at QUBS after dinner
  - 7:30 pm – orientation; presentation
Tuesday, October 5
  - Morning – field collections
  - Afternoon – lecture; work on collections
  - Evening – presentation; work on collections
Wednesday, October 6
  - Morning – field collections
  - Afternoon – lecture; work on collections
  - Evening – presentation; work on collections
Thursday, October 7
  - Morning – field collections
  - Afternoon – lecture; work on collections
  - Evening  free time or work on collections
Friday, October 8
  - Morning – wrap-up session; cleanup
  - Afternoon – depart after lunch


THINGS TO BRING

Essential:
•    sleeping bag (or sheets and blanket), pillow, towel, facecloth and personal toiletries
•    flashlight
•    hat, sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather forecasts (sun and warm and wet and cool)
•    sunscreen
•    collecting basket with handle, such as a 6- or 7-litre fruit basket, or something fancier
•    sharp knife with stiff or locking handle (for cleanly removing specimens from substrate)
•    pen/pencil & notebook
•    whistle (to summon help if needed)
•    compass or personal GPS

Recommended:
•    mushroom field guides (recommended: Mushrooms of Ontario and Eastern Canada – George Barron; National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms – Gary Lincoff)
•    10x loupe
•    laptop computer  handy for independent research (QUBS has wi-fi)

Optional:
•    camera