Mitchell State Park - July 19, Wild Mushroom Clinic with Great Lakes Treats

Step into the forest with confidence and curiosity. Join Michigan instructors Jill and Aaron, wild foods experts from Great Lakes Treats, for an immersive, fast-paced and information-packed wild mushroom clinic at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac. This full-day clinic is designed to give you real-world skills in identifying, harvesting and preparing Michigan’s most sought-after edible mushrooms. We’ll focus on seasonal favorites including morels, chanterelles, chicken of the woods, hen of the woods, oyster mushrooms and more, along with additional wild edibles that may be emerging at the time of the clinic. This is not just a slideshow. You’ll learn how to: Identify mushrooms using key physical characteristics. Understand habitat, tree associations and seasonal timing. Recognize dangerous look-alikes and avoid common mistakes. Practice ethical and sustainable harvesting methods Properly clean, store and prepare wild mushrooms. Read the forest like a forager You'll gain a deeper understanding of how moisture, soil type, temperature and forest composition affect mushroom growth – giving you the knowledge to confidently search on your own. Whether you are brand new to foraging or looking to sharpen your skills, this clinic will elevate your ability to safely and responsibly harvest wild mushrooms in Michigan. Come ready to learn, ask questions and discover what the forest has been quietly growing beneath your feet. Cost is $40, which includes lunch, a printed class packet and a mushroom identification book. To register for this class, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the "Purchase a license" button. Sign in (using either a username and password or your ID and birthdate) , and find the class under the Outdoor Skills Academy tab. Cancellation policy: To cancel your registration, please contact our Customer Service help desk line at 800-737-6367. Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the program will be completely refunded to the original form of payment. If you cancel after the two-week deadline, no refund will be issued. For more information, email DNR-HFC@Michigan.gov or call 231-779-1321. A Recreation Passport is required for entry into Mitchell State Park. This class is part of the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Skills Academy, which offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. Learn more at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.