Events

Introduction to Mushroom Identification 
Instructor: Dr. Terese Barta
Format: Blended 2-part class
Dates/Times: Virtual Monday Aug 24, 2026, 7-8 pm (session will be recorded), and in person Saturday Aug 29, 2026, 9:30 am-3:00 pm
Location: UW Stevens Point
Elective (6 hours)
Mushrooms are mysterious, misunderstood, neglected and sometimes feared. But as unique manifestations of
the fungal world, they are also beautiful and complex. This hands-on workshop will introduce you to the amazing
diversity of mushrooms and the basic techniques of mushroom identification. Before the class meets in person,
we will have a virtual session on the basics of mushroom collecting techniques. Weather-permitting, we will begin our in-person class with a walk in UW-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve. This will allow us to observe
mushrooms in the field and collect a few specimens to identify. You are also encouraged to bring one or two
specimens to the course that you have collected on your own before the class. In the lab, we will use fresh and
preserved specimens to learn the basic families of mushrooms and identification techniques. Whether you are
interested in foraging for edible mushrooms, or just want to be able to appreciate the diversity of fleshy fungi, you will come away with knowledge to demystify mushroom identification. Optional but recommended resources: a basic mushroom identification book such as the Peterson Field Guide or Audubon Field Guide to North American Mushrooms. (Additional identification resources will also be available in lab.)

An email with specific details will be sent to you approximately 2-5 days before the course.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Native Plant Certification Program.