Chick of the Woods Foraging

Forage-To-Table Experience
2024-08-25 12:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Lake Osceola Retreat Center, 558 240th St,, Osceola, WI, 54020, United States
OVERVIEW
Join Jaime and Jess for a private foraging, cooking, and dining experience at the beautiful Lake Osceola Retreat Center. The day begins by enjoying a light lunch and beverage while learning about foraging basics, safety, and identification of edible, wild mushrooms that are in season.
After lunch, we will head into the forest while learning about and collecting ingredients for dinner which may include mushrooms, plants, berries and/or even a few goodies from the garden.

When we return from the woods, Jess will guide us in turning our harvest into a delicious dinner. This will be a hands-on learning adventure, creating dinner and beverages as a team. Preservation methods that are best suited for the mushrooms we find also be discussed. Any leftover mushrooms that are not used for dinner will be sent home with attendees.
The menu is yet to be determined and will be tailored to foraged items that are found on our foraging adventure, however all food will be both vegan and gluten-free. Please call or text Jess at 612-367-6621 before registering if you have any food sensitivities.
No experience necessary.
ITINERARY
12:00-12:30… Arrivals and Introductions
12:30-2:00… Lunch and Learn
2:00-4:00… Forage
4:00-6:00… Prepare Dinner and Beverages
6:00-7:00… Dinner and Wild Mushroom Preservation Discussion
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Jess is a forager, educator, and foodie extraordinaire! She is so excited to combine all of her passions and guide us in turning our harvest into a delicious meal.

Jaime (Chick of the Woods) loves spending every minute possible foraging in the woods, talking to anyone that will listen about mushrooms, and having others cook for her.
REGISTRATION
Only 12 spots available. Registration ends Wednesday, August 21 at noon.
DISCLAIMERS
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed. Jaime will have emergency back-up mushrooms just in case we don’t find enough for dinner.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*If you cancel at least 1 week prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 1 week of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Fall Mushroom Hunting
2024-09-07 13:00 - 16:00 | TBD, but within 1 hour south of Mpls
This is an outdoor adventure for those interested in foraging for common wild mushrooms. We will first take about one hour to discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks to successful foraging, cover species of interest, and answer any questions. Then we will wander down the trail and into the woods looking for and discussing any mushrooms we find. If we do find mushrooms, we will split them evenly with the group best we can. We will then meet back where we started to wrap up and go over what we found. No experience necessary.
Approximate Itinerary:
1-2pm: Intro and Discussion
2-3:45pm: Foraging
3:45-4pm: Review mushrooms
The exact location of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event.
The event is non-refundable and the class will happen rain or shine, but in cases of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be able to use your credit for a future event.

Fall Mushroom Hunting
2024-10-06 13:00 - 16:00 | TBD, but within 1 hour south of Mpls
This is an outdoor adventure for those interested in foraging for common wild mushrooms. We will first take about one hour to discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks to successful foraging, cover species of interest, and answer any questions. Then we will wander down the trail and into the woods looking for and discussing any mushrooms we find. If we do find mushrooms, we will split them evenly with the group best we can. We will then meet back where we started to wrap up and go over what we found. No experience necessary.
Approximate Itinerary:
1-2pm: Intro and Discussion
2-3:45pm: Foraging
3:45-4pm: Review mushrooms
The exact location of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Late Fall Mushroom Hunting
2024-10-20 14:00 - 17:00 | 1 hour east or northeast of Mpls
Anyone wanna go for a beautiful walk in the woods before the cold sets in? This will be a fun outdoor adventure for anyone interested in learning about foraging for common, edible wild mushrooms. We will first take some time to discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks to successful foraging, cover species of interest, and answer any questions. Then we will wander down the trail and into the woods looking for and discussing any mushrooms we find. We will then meet back where we started to wrap up and go over what we found. No experience necessary.
The exact location of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Spring Foraging Basics: Plants & Mushrooms Online Class
2025-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | online
Kickstart your foraging journey with Chick of the Woods! Be prepared for spring foraging by learning to identify 3 spring mushrooms (morels, oysters, pheasant backs) and 3 wild edible plants (ramps, nettles, fiddleheads) commonly found during spring. We’ll cover essential topics like safety, look-alikes, and foraging basics to help you forage confidently on your own.
Each participant in your household needs their own ticket. Can’t make it live? All ticket holders will receive a one-week replay link and an electronic copy of the slides.
A link to join the virtual class will be sent by 4 PM on the event day.

Morel Mushroom Hunting Tips and Tricks - Online Class
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:30
For the complete beginner or advanced morel mushroom hunter, you are sure to learn something to greatly improve your chances of finding morels in the Midwest. This in-depth online class will cover everything you need to know including where to look, when to look, identification, look-alikes, foraging basics, safety, cooking, preservation methods, tree identification, apps, websites, and tips and tricks to help you find morels. We will focus on common (yellows, blondes, Morchella americana) morels and touch on half-free and black morels.
If more than one person will be watching in your household, please purchase one ticket per person. If you are not able to attend at the scheduled time, all ticket holders will be provided a link to view the presentation for one week after the class.
A link for the virtual class will be emailed to attendees by 4pm on the day of the event.

Tree Identification Class
2025-04-27 14:00 - 15:45 | within 25 minutes west or SW of Mpls
Have you ever wanted to improve your ability to identify native trees? Tree identification is not only a valuable skill for nature enthusiasts but can also significantly enhance your ability to find mushrooms—a favorite reason for many of us! In this class, Chick of the Woods will guide you through several methods of tree identification, going beyond just looking at leaves.
This course combines online and in-person learning for a comprehensive experience. A few days before the in-person session, you’ll receive an exclusive video prepared by Chick of the Woods. The video covers the basics of tree identification and includes tips for identifying five key trees known to host great mushrooms: oak, elm, box elder, cottonwood, and ash. You can watch the video at your own pace, giving you a solid foundation before we meet in person.
The in-person session will be a relaxed walk through the woods, within 25 minutes west or southwest of Minneapolis (exact location to be announced). This easy, slow-paced walk will stay on trails as we observe and discuss tree identification in real-time. The walk will last approximately 1.5–2 hours.
This event will be held rain or shine, with adjustments for severe weather. If cancellation is necessary, credits will be provided for a future event.
Join us for this unique opportunity to connect with nature and sharpen your tree identification skills with Chick of the Woods!

Springtime Wild Mushroom Hunt and Tasting
2025-05-18 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 and edible plants. While we can’t guarantee a bounty, this is an educational experience focused on teaching you how to spot and identify delicious spring mushrooms like morels, oysters, velvet foot, pheasant backs, and more. We’ll visit a location known for past mushroom finds, giving you the tools to hunt confidently on your own in the future.
Once our foraging is complete, we’ll gather to review our finds. Chick of the Woods will demonstrate a simple cooking technique using the mushrooms we collect, and everyone will enjoy a light tasting. If you have any dietary restrictions, please contact us to inquire before signing up. Any leftover mushrooms will be shared among attendees to take home!
This class is perfect for beginners and seasoned foragers looking to sharpen their skills.
Highlights of the Class:

Learn foraging basics, safety tips, and mushroom identification.
Explore the woods in search of seasonal mushrooms and edible plants.
Enjoy a live cooking demonstration and tasting session.
Take home a share of any mushrooms found.

Note: While we’ll explore a location where morels and other spring mushrooms are often found, we cannot guarantee specific finds. This is a learning experience designed to prepare you for successful foraging in the future.
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. The focus of this experience is education—equipping you with the knowledge to forage confidently on your own.
Details about the location and event will be shared with participants at least 24 hours before the class.
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.
A minimum number of attendees is required for the class. If it is canceled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be provided.
Some locations may require a parking fee.
Attendees will receive detailed information about what to expect, what to bring, and other logistics at least one day prior to the event.

Family Foraging
2025-08-03 14:00 - 16:30 | 45 minutes north of Minneapolis
TRIP DETAILS + INFORMATION
Join Chick of the Woods for a fun outdoor adventure that will get your child outside, and interested in going outside more often! Mushroom hunting is like a scavenger hunt, and kids love finding cool mushrooms in the woods. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what some of those mushrooms are, and if they are safe? With just a little proper education, mushrooms are NOT something to be afraid of and Chick of the Woods will be sure to address any concerns you may have.
What will the day look like?
Before embarking on the mushroom hunt, we will learn about safety, mushroom features, a few of the common edible mushrooms we might run into, as well as some of the poisonous ones to steer clear of. We will head out into the woods looking for and collecting mushrooms while filling out a scavenger hunt list. We will discuss mushrooms as we find them, and then again at the end of our foraging adventure. The purpose of this adventure is to get familiar with observing different features of fungi – this is not an edible mushroom hunt even though you are welcome to keep any edible mushrooms we find. After our hunt, kids will partake in a mushroom art project.
Where will we go mushroom hunting?
The exact location and more details of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event, but it will be held approximately 45 – 60 minutes North or Northwest of Minneapolis.
What will you need?
Bring a basket or cloth bag to put mushrooms in. An Easter basket works great! A knife is also required for cutting the mushrooms, but of course the adult can operate the knife if the child is not comfortable with a knife. Wear clothes suitable for walking through the woods (long pants and close-toed shoes). A more thorough list of suggested items and details will be emailed to you closer to the day of the event.
Disclaimers:
-The event will happen rain or shine. In cases of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the class will be canceled and you can use your credit for a future event with Chick of the Woods. Refunds are not available.
-We always hope to find mushrooms, but it is never guaranteed. We will go somewhere mushrooms have been found in the past, however, weather plays a huge role in the abundance and diversity we will find.

Summertime Mushroom Hunt
2025-08-16 14:00 - 17:30 | TBD, but within 1 hour west or northwest of Mpls
Explore a beautiful forest while learning a useful, fun, and lifelong skill of foraging for your own food. Chick of the Woods will help you gain confidence foraging for common, edible mushrooms. We may also discuss berries, plants, or trees we see along the way. Before we head out foraging, we will discuss foraging basics, safety, identifications, and answer any questions. Then we will wander into the woods searching for, discussing, and picking edible mushrooms that we find. After the hunt we will review what’s in your basket and discuss ways to cook your finds. Take home what we find. No experience necessary.
Approximate itinerary:
2:00-3:00 – Educational Foraging Discussion
3:00-3:30 – Break and Gear-Up
3:30-5:00 – Foraging
5:00-5:30 – Review and Questions
5:30 till ?? Optional and on your own – Pack a picnic dinner and stay as long as you like socializing with your new nerdy nature friends!
We will have some foraging gear available for purchase, including bags, knives, books, and other products we love. You will have a chance to purchase these during the break or after class.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*No refunds. If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Foraging Event for Kids
2025-08-20 09:30 - 12:00 | TBD, but within 1 hour south of Mpls
TRIP DETAILS + INFORMATION
Join Chick of the Woods for a fun outdoor adventure that will get your child outside, and interested in going outside more often! Mushroom hunting is like a scavenger hunt, and kids love finding cool mushrooms in the woods. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what some of those mushrooms are, and if they are safe? With just a little proper education, mushrooms are NOT something to be afraid of and Chick of the Woods will be sure to address any concerns you may have.
What will the day look like?
Before embarking on the mushroom hunt, we will learn about safety, mushroom features, a few of the common edible mushrooms we might run into, as well as some of the poisonous ones to steer clear of. We will head out into the woods looking for and collecting mushrooms while filling out a scavenger hunt list. We will discuss mushrooms as we find them, and then again at the end of our foraging adventure. After our hunt, kids will partake in a mushroom art project.
Where will we go mushroom hunting?
Conditions for mushrooms are dependent on several factors so the exact location and more details of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event, but it will be held within 1 hour of Minneapolis.
What will you need?
Bring a basket or cloth bag to put mushrooms in. An Easter basket works great! A knife is also required for cutting the mushrooms, but of course the adult can operate the knife if the child is not comfortable with a knife. Wear clothes suitable for walking through the woods (long pants and close-toed shoes). A more thorough list of suggested items and details will be emailed to you closer to the day of the event.
Disclaimers:
-The event will happen rain or shine. In cases of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the class will be canceled and you can use your credit for a future event with Chick of the Woods. Refunds are not available.
-We always hope to find lots of mushrooms and plants, but it is never guaranteed. However, we do guarantee you will learn and increase your confidence foraging.

Scouting for Mushrooms
2025-09-07 14:30 - 16:30 | Near Stillwater, MN, Stillwater, MN, United States
This is a different version of my normal events. It’s shorter and the price is lower. I’m skipping the intro educational talk and I’m NOT pre-scouting the area. We will be going to a forest I’m not very familiar with. I have no idea what mushrooms will be there or if there will be any at all (extremely unlikely). Just come exploring with me! Learn what I look for when I hunt in a new area. We will spend two hours in the woods looking for common, edible mushrooms and identifying trees important to those mushrooms. Take home what you find. Bring a basket or bag and a knife. No experience necessary.
The exact location of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Fall Mushroom Hunting
2025-09-14 13:00 - 16:00 | TBD, but within 1 hour west or northwest of Mpls

Last Chance Mushroom Hunt
2025-10-05 13:00 - 16:00 | within an hour of minneapolis
The last mushroom foraging class of the year! An outdoor adventure for those interested in learning how to forage for wild, edible mushrooms. We will first take about one hour to discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks to successful foraging, cover species of interest, and answer any questions. Then we will wander down the trail and into the woods looking for, discussing, and harvesting any edible mushrooms we find. We will meet back where we started to wrap up and go over what we found and answer any last minute questions. No experience necessary. We will split any mushrooms we find evenly with the group.
Approximate Itinerary:
1-2pm: Intro and Discussion
2-3:45pm: Foraging
3:45-4pm: Review mushrooms
The exact location of the event will be emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event.
Disclaimers:
*Mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*The location may require a parking fee or day pass.
*The event in geared towards adults, but if you think your child would enjoy it, they are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you the day prior to the event, or sooner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
*If you cancel at least 72 hours prior to the event, credit will be given towards a future event. No credit will be given for cancellations within 72 hours of the event.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit will be given to use at a future event.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. Refunds will be given in this scenario.

Tree Identification Walk
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Theodore Wirth Park, 3200 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55405
Have you ever wanted to improve your ability to identify native trees? Tree identification is not only a valuable skill for nature enthusiasts but can also significantly enhance your ability to find mushrooms—a favorite reason for many of us! In this class, Chick of the Woods will guide you through several methods of tree identification, going beyond just looking at leaves. We will be sure to mention which trees are hosts for choice edible mushrooms.
This course combines online and in-person learning for a comprehensive experience. A few days before the in-person session, you’ll receive an exclusive video prepared by Chick of the Woods. The video covers the basics of tree identification and includes tips for identifying five key trees known to host great mushrooms: oak, elm, box elder, cottonwood, and ash. You can watch the video at your own pace, giving you a solid foundation before we meet in person.
The in-person session will be a relaxed walk through the woods. This easy, slow-paced walk will stay on trails as we observe and discuss tree identification in real-time. The walk will last approximately 1.5–2 hours.
This event will be held rain or shine, with adjustments for severe weather. If cancellation is necessary, credits will be provided for a future event.
Join us for this unique opportunity to connect with nature and sharpen your tree identification skills with Chick of the Woods!
