In The Field: Fungi Hike

In The Field: Fungi Hike
Mushrooms for Beginners

Take a tour of fungi along Orene Wetherall Trail in BYLT’s Woodpecker Wildlife Preserve with expert field botanist, Shane Hanofee. Shane will be at the ready with guides to identifying the many varieties of mushrooms, lichens, and more! The trek is geared towards those new to fungi, though all myco-enthusiasts are welcome.

Please come dressed for the weather, bring a pocket knife and hand lens if you have them, as well as water and a snack to enjoy along the way.

KNOW & GO

WHAT: In The Field: Fungi Hike

WHEN: Saturday, December 20, 10am to 1pm

WHERE: We’ll meet at the Cascade Canal Trailhead (N39.24097 W120.99847) on Gracie Road in Nevada City. The parking area is located on the east side of Gracie Road about 700′ downhill from the intersection of Gracie Road and Banner Lava Cap Road. From there we’ll walk .75 miles along the Cascade Canal Trail to the Orene Whetherall trailhead, and then down into Woodpecker Wildlife Preserve.

HOW: Tickets are $25

WEATHER: In the event of light rain, we will plan on holding the event. However, snowy or downpour conditions will cause the event to be cancelled and rescheduled.

MORE ABOUT SHANE: Shane grew up in upstate New York before making the move to Northern California in 2009. After meeting his future wife in San Francisco, the two settled in Nevada County in 2012. Instantly entranced by the wild Sierra, he soon developed an obsessive desire to learn about the diverse biology of the region and eventually focused on the plant life – since they turned out to be far more agreeable study subjects than the flitting and fleeing wildlife. Over the past decade, he came to know the flora of California and beyond through devoted self-education. He earned his California Naturalist certification in 2019 and became a Certified Field Botanist in 2021. In 2023, he released the field edition of A Nevada County Flora which details every known plant species to be found in Nevada County, as well as identification keys so anyone can learn to recognize them. Shane is also a former president of the Redbud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. In his spare time, he enjoys mycology, music, and exploring the natural world with his family.