Chick of the Woods Foraging

Know the Trees - Find the Mushrooms
2026-04-22 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-14 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Theodore Wirth Park, 3200 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55405
Find More Mushrooms by Knowing Your Trees
Ever spend hours wandering the woods unsure where to look for mushrooms? Learning tree identification solves that problem. When you know which trees host your favorite edible mushrooms, you stop guessing and start finding.
In this class, Chick of the Woods will teach simple, practical tree identification techniques that go beyond leaf shape, with a focus on trees that host choice edible mushrooms. You’ll learn what trees deserve your attention and which ones you can pass by.
A few days before the walk, you’ll receive an exclusive video covering tree ID basics and key mushroom-loving trees. This prep work means less lecture and more hands-on learning in the woods.
The in-person portion is a fun, guided walk on established trails, practicing real-time tree identification and connecting trees to the mushrooms that grow with them.
You’ll leave feeling more confident, capable, and equipped to forage smarter for years to come.
Who this class is for

Beginner and intermediate mushroom foragers
Nature lovers curious about trees and fungi
Gardeners and outdoor educators
Anyone tired of guessing where mushrooms grow
A unique, practical gift for the outdoorsy person in your life

A Walk in the Park - Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring)
2026-04-26 14:30 - 16:00 | Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring), 5601 Minnehaha Park Dr S, MN, 55417, United States
This “Walk in the Park” series is all about getting outside, exploring new places, and “seeing what we see” along the trail. These walks are meant to be casual, curious, affordable, easy, approachable, and social—perfect for beginners, experts, or anyone who simply wants an excuse to spend a little time in nature with like-minded people.
The location will vary each time and may even be somewhere I’ve never visited before. Think of it as an open invitation to come explore together.
This isn’t a traditional foraging class or guided hunt. We won’t scout the location ahead of time, we’ll stick to the trails, and we may visit locations where foraging isn’t allowed—so there’s nothing to bring and no expectations about what we’ll find. The only thing we’ll be taking is pictures.
We’ll simply walk slowly and stop along the way to observe what’s growing, talk about mushrooms and wild plants, practice identifying trees – and address any other surprises nature reveals to us. I certainly don’t know everything – these walks are about learning together and sharing observations. Bugs, birds, flowers, and basically anything in nature is allowable for discussion!
Trail conditions will vary and may include grass, dirt, rocks, mud, or pavement, and could be flat or hilly. Participants should be comfortable being outside and walking and/or standing for up to 1.5 hours. Some walks will be accessible, but please reach out if you have questions about terrain.
The location listed in the description is approximate – the exact meeting point will be emailed to attendees at least one day in advance. (If you have a location suggestion for a future walk, please let me know!)
Parking fee may apply.

Morel Mushroom Hunting - Online Class
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Minnesota
Find More Morels—With Confidence
Morel season is just beginning! Take this class and apply your knowledge immediately.
Whether you’re brand new to morel hunting or have been searching for years with mixed success, this in-depth online morel mushroom class is designed to dramatically improve your chances of finding morels in the Midwest.
This class will stop you from wandering the woods without knowing where, when, or why morels grow where they do. By the end of this class, you’ll replace guesswork with proven strategies.
Most importantly, you’ll gain the confidence to identify morels correctly, avoid dangerous look-alikes, and forage safely and ethically.
What You’ll Learn

Where and when to find morels in the Midwest
How to identify true morels vs. look-alikes
Foraging basics and safety best practices
Tree identification and habitat clues
Helpful apps, websites, and tools
Cooking and preservation methods
Insider tips and tricks to increase your success year after year

We’ll focus primarily on common morels (yellows/blondes, Morchella americana), with an introduction to half-free and black morels.
Who Is This Class For?

Complete beginners who want to start foraging safely and confidently
Morel hunters who want tips to find more morels
Gardeners, hikers, and nature lovers curious about edible mushrooms
Foragers who want to better understand tree associations
Anyone who wants to spend less time searching and more time finding

Can’t Attend Live or Afraid You’ll Forget the Information?
No problem. All ticket holders receive access to the class recording for one full week, so you can watch (or rewatch) on your own schedule. Everyone will also receive a free, downloadable “tips and tricks” pdf for finding morel mushrooms.
Guarantee
If, after attending the class or watching the recording, you don’t feel you gained enough practical value to improve your morel hunting, simply reach out and we’ll refund your ticket—no hard feelings and no questions asked.
A Thoughtful Gift for Nature Lovers
This class makes a wonderful gift for mushroom lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, and curious beginners.
**Registration closes at 4:00 PM on the day of the event. A link to the virtual class and the downloadable “tips and tricks” pdf will be emailed to attendees at that time.

A Walk in the Park - Eden Prairie
2026-05-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Eden Prairie, MN, Eden Prairie, United States
This “Walk in the Park” series is all about getting outside, exploring new places, and “seeing what we can eat” along the trail. These walks are meant to be casual, curious, affordable, educational, and social—perfect for anyone who simply wants an excuse to learn about edible wild foods and spend time with like-minded people.
The location will vary each time and may even be somewhere I’ve never visited before. Think of it as an open invitation to come explore together.
This isn’t a traditional foraging class or guided hunt. We won’t scout the location ahead of time, we’ll stick to the trails, and we may visit locations where foraging isn’t allowed—so there are no expectations, nothing to bring besides your curiosity, and nothing to take but pictures.
We’ll simply walk slowly and observe what’s growing, hoping to find edible mushrooms and plants along the way. Trees will be identified and we’ll stop for any other surprises nature reveals to us along the way. I certainly don’t know everything – these walks are about learning together and sharing observations. Bugs, birds, flowers, and basically anything in nature is allowable for discussion!
Trail conditions will vary and may include grass, dirt, rocks, mud, or pavement, and could be flat or hilly. Participants should be comfortable being outside and walking and/or standing for up to 1.5 hours. Some walks will be accessible, but please reach out if you have questions about terrain.
The location listed in the description is approximate – the exact meeting point will be emailed to attendees at least one day in advance. (If you have a location suggestion for a future walk, please let me know!)
Parking fee may apply.

Discover Foraging: Mushrooms, Plants & Pizza
2026-05-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Pickled Pig Pub, 205 Broadway Street S, Jordan, MN, 55352, United States
Chick of the Woods will lead an engaging presentation on edible mushrooms and spring plants that are popping up this time of year, all while enjoying wild mushroom pizza, crispy truffle tots, and a refreshing beverage.
Are you curious about foraging but a little nervous? Maybe you’ve thought, “What if I pick the wrong mushroom and die?” If that thought has crossed your mind, this class is definitely for you. We’ll focus on common, beginner-friendly mushrooms and plants that are easy to recognize and a great place to start. You’ll also get to see fresh specimens up close so you can learn what to look for in the real world.
We’ll gather in a private room at the Pickled Pig Pub in Jordan, MN (about 20 minutes SW of Bloomington), where wild mushroom pizza and truffle tots are included with your class. Drinks are on your own—but you can take advantage of 2-for-1 drinks until 6:30pm.
Come hungry, bring your curiosity, and get ready to discover the delicious things hiding in the woods this spring.
Not a mushroom fan? No worries—we can order some non-mushroom pizza too!

Springtime Wild Mushroom Hunt and Tasting
2026-05-17 13:00 - 18:00 | TBD, but within 1 hour south of Mpls
Join Chick of the Woods for a Fungi Adventure!
Dive into the fascinating world of mushroom foraging with this hands-on class designed to boost your confidence and skills. We’ll begin with an interactive discussion covering the basics of foraging, safety guidelines, helpful tips, and tricks. Fresh, seasonal mushrooms will be on hand for you to see, touch, and learn how to identify key varieties before heading out on our adventure.
After the introduction, we’ll wander into the woods to search for mushrooms. While we can pick the mushrooms we find, this event is not focused on filling baskets. This is an educational experience focused on teaching you how to find and identify delicious springtime mushrooms (like morels, oysters, and pheasant backs) – and the dangerous ones, too. If we pick any edible mushrooms on our hunt, we will divide them evenly and attendees can bring them home.
Once our foraging is complete, Chick of the Woods will demonstrate a simple cooking technique using springtime mushrooms, and everyone will enjoy a light tasting. If you have any dietary restrictions, please contact us at in**@*************ds.com to inquire before signing up.

This class is perfect for complete beginners and seasoned foragers looking to sharpen their skills. Never been on a mushroom hunt with Chick of the Woods? Learn more here. Wondering what you’ll need to bring? Learn more here. Chick of the Woods will also have foraging items on hand that you can purchase before the hunt, such as knives, bags, books, and more.
Highlights of the Class:

Learn foraging basics, safety tips, and mushroom identification.
Explore the woods in search of seasonal mushrooms.
Enjoy a live cooking demonstration and tasting session.
Take home a share of any mushrooms found (never guaranteed).

Important Information:

Mushroom growth depends on environmental conditions, so while we’ll do our best to visit promising spots, there’s no guarantee of finding mushrooms.
Be prepared to walk off-trail and navigate uneven terrain.
This is a rain-or-shine event. However, in the case of severe weather, the event will be canceled, and you’ll receive a credit to use for a future class.
This event is geared toward adults, but children are welcome if suitable for them; all attend at the same rate.
Some locations may require a parking fee or day pass.
Attendees will receive additional information about location, what to expect, what to bring, and other logistics at least one day prior to the event.

Chanterelles & Wild Edibles: Forage + Tasting
2026-07-12 13:00 - 17:30 | Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, WI, 54024, United States
Learn all about foraging for chanterelles and other edible summertime mushrooms, plants, and berries!
Join us at Big Rock Creek in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin to spark your curiosity and build your confidence foraging for wild foods! This beginner-friendly class is perfect for those new to foraging or anyone looking to hang out with like-minded individuals that love and appreciate nature.
What to Expect

Interactive Education: Start with an engaging presentation discussing everything you need to know to get started foraging. We’ll discuss foraging basics, identification tips, cooking & preservation techniques, safety, technology, and more. Get hands-on with fresh examples (if available) to practice identifying key features before we head out to the forest.
Forest Exploration: Wander through the woods at Big Rock Creek as we search for edible wild mushrooms, plants, and berries. We will also be identifying important trees along the way.
Potential Finds: We never know what we will find, but it’s the season for mushrooms like chanterelles, boletes, chicken of the woods, berries, and more! While we will focus our hunt mostly on mushrooms, we will also discuss and harvest edible plants or berries.
Taste What We Find: A brief cooking demo and light tasting will be prepared with the mushrooms we find. Please reach out if you have dietary restrictions to see if I can accommodate. Cocktails will be available for purchase from Big Rock Creek.
Community and Sharing: Bring home any mushrooms that we don’t cook or plants we find! If we find enough, we’ll divide them evenly to ensure everyone leaves with a treat.
Gear Up: Browse foraging essentials like mushroom knives, books, and other tools available for purchase.

Approximate Itinerary
1:00-2:00 – Educational Presentation
2:00-2:30 – Break & Gear Shopping
2:30-4:00 – Foraging Adventure
4:00-5:00 – Wild Mushroom Tasting
5:00-5:30 – Review & Q&A

Important Details

Who Can Join: Anyone that is able to walk slowly through the woods, over uneven terrain, for up to two hours is welcome. The event is designed for adults, but children are welcome at the same rate if they’re excited to participate.
A day pass is required for anyone that does not have a Big Rock membership or is not already camping at Big Rock Creek. These can be purchased ahead of time here. Come early or stay late to enjoy the property.
What to Bring: Here is a list of some items to consider bringing along. Items such as mushroom knives, bags, and books will be available for purchase. Sturdy, close-toed footwear and long pants are recommended.

Summertime Mushroom Hunting
2026-07-25 09:00 - 12:30 | TBD, but within 1 hour west or northwest of Mpls
Learn all about foraging for edible summertime mushrooms! This beginner-friendly class is perfect for those new to foraging or anyone looking to learn a few new mushrooms while hanging out with like-minded individuals that love and appreciate nature.
What to Expect

Interactive Education: Start with an engaging presentation discussing everything you need to know to get started foraging. We’ll discuss foraging basics, identification tips, cooking & preservation techniques, safety, technology, and more. Get hands-on with fresh examples (if available) to practice identifying key features before we head out to the forest.
Forest Exploration: Wander through the woods as we search for edible wild mushrooms and identify important trees along the way.
Potential Finds: We never know what we will find, but it’s the season for mushrooms like chanterelles, boletes, chicken of the woods, black trumpets, and more! While we will focus our hunt on mushrooms, we may also point out edible plants or berries we see.
Community and Sharing: Bring home any mushrooms we find! If we find enough, we’ll divide them evenly to ensure everyone leaves with a treat.
Gear Up: Browse foraging essentials like mushroom knives, books, and other tools available for purchase.

Approximate Itinerary
9:00-10:00 – Educational Presentation
10:00-10:30 – Break & Gear Shopping
10:30-12:00 – Foraging Adventure
12:00-12:30 – Review & Q&A

Important Details

Who Can Join: Anyone that is able to walk slowly through the woods, over uneven terrain, for up to two hours is welcome. The event is designed for adults, but children are welcome at the same rate if they’re excited to participate.
A day pass or parking pass may be required.
What to Bring: Here is a list of some items to consider bringing along. Items such as mushroom knives, bags, and books will be available for purchase. Sturdy, close-toed footwear and long pants are recommended.

Intermediate Mushroom Hunting with Guest Expert Noah Siegel
2026-08-09 13:00 - 17:00 | within an hour of minneapolis
Are you ready to take your mushrooming skills to the next level? This intermediate class is designed for mushroom hunters who already know the basics and are eager to deepen their knowledge in the field.
We’re thrilled to feature guest expert Noah Siegel, one of the leading figures in U.S. field mycology. With over three decades of experience in identification, taxonomy, and photography, Noah’s expertise is unmatched. Noah is a renowned field guide author, award‑winning photographer, and highly sought‑after speaker who has dedicated his career to expanding public understanding of the fungal world. Most recently, he spent three months in Tanzania researching primate mycophagy!
The day begins with a presentation from Noah, offering insights that will help you sharpen your identification skills and enhance your field observation techniques.
After the presentation, we’ll head out for a guided mushroom hunt. Both Chick of the Woods and Noah will assist with identification throughout the foray, with Noah providing additional support on more advanced or challenging finds. We’ll conclude the day by gathering to review and discuss in more detail the mushrooms collected during the hunt. Feel free to bring any unidentified mushrooms (or pictures) you’ve collected that you need help identifying.
Participants are welcome to keep what they find, but please note that this class is not focused on harvesting edible species. Our emphasis is on learning about a wide diversity of fungi—including non‑edible species—and building a broader understanding of what we encounter in the field.

Wild & Wonderful: A Fall Foraging Retreat
2026-09-22 09:00 - 16:30 | Ainsley Sutton Lodge Retreat Center, 1680 373rd Avenue Northeast, Stanchfield, MN, United States
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Join Maria Wesserle of Four Season Foraging and Jaime Rockney of Chick of the Woods for a day of foraging fun! Learn all about edible fall goodies in the woods! The morning will be focused on all things plants! Maria will teach us about plants, berries, and nuts that are in season followed by a walk in the woods finding, identifying, harvesting, and even tasting some forest delicacies like white pine infused switchel.
A home-style lunch will follow and will be included with your ticket.
The afternoon will be mushroom-centric with a presentation by Chick of the Woods on common edible fall mushrooms, a tasting of wild mushroom jerky and pickled mushrooms, followed by a walk in the woods searching for, talking about, and picking the mushrooms we find.

APPROXIMATE ITINERARY
9-9:15am Registration
9:15-10:15am – Plant Talk
10:30-10:45am – Break
10:30-12:15pm – Plant Walk
12:15-1:15pm – Lunch (included with ticket)
1:30-2:30pm – Mushroom Talk
2:30-2:45pm – Break
2:45-4:15pm – Mushroom Walk
4:15-4:30pm – Wrap Up and Review

The mushroom presentation may cover mushroom like hen of the woods, shrimp of the woods, honey mushrooms, resinous polypore, velvet foot, elm oysters, as well as potential look-alikes and poisonous mushrooms. But we may encounter and discuss other species in the woods! The plant presentation will discuss hackberry, crab apple, stinging nettle, wild grapes, black nightshade, and white pine. There will be many other plants to learn about in the surrounding landscape.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Maria Wesserle has been gathering wild edibles since 2004 and loves sharing this skill with others. She has spent over 15 years organizing and teaching foraging programs in the Upper Midwest. Through her business Four Season Foraging, she offers sliding scale foraging workshops, creating spaces where people can learn to interact with urban and rural environments in meaningful and sustainable ways. She is a certified wild mushroom harvester in the state of Minnesota and holds certificates for Level III Trailing and Professional Track & Sign from CyberTracker North America.
Jaime Rockney, also known as Chick of the Woods, loves nothing more than sharing her passion of the forest and fungi with others. In doing so, she hopes they will gain appreciation for the fascinating world within the forest. She has been obsessed with foraging since 2008 and started Chick of the Woods Foraging, LLC in 2019. She is a member of the Minnesota Mycological Society, Wisconsin Mycological Society, the North American Mycological Association, and has three certifications for identification of and selling mushrooms.

REGISTRATION
Register by August 22nd. If you are reading this after August 22nd, please contact us to see if space is still available. Class will be canceled if minimum registration is not met.
Class will happen rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, the class will be held completely indoors.

Cost is $160.
Suggested age 14 and up. You must be 18 to register. People age 17 and under are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult; that adult should register on their behalf. Minors pay the same price as adults.
