Springtime Wild Mushroom Hunt and Tasting
2025-05-18 13:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Springtime Foraging
2025-05-10 10:00 - 13:15 (America/Chicago) | within an hour of minneapolis
Join us for a hands-on outdoor experience that will 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. Together, we’ll learn all about foraging safely for common, edible mushrooms and plants.
What to Expect

Interactive Education: This is an educational event with the possibility of bringing home some mushrooms. While we would love for everyone to find some – learning, building confidence, and safety is our top priority. We will begin the day 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 discussing mushrooms and plants we find. We will be off trail, on uneven terrain, and possibly going up and down hills (while traveling at a snails pace). We will be able to harvest edible mushrooms, but we may not be able to harvest plants (depending on the location). Potential finds during May include oysters, morels, pheasant backs, ramps, nettle, fiddleheads, and much more.
Community and Sharing: If we harvest enough mushrooms, we’ll divide them evenly to ensure everyone leaves with a treat.
Gear Up: Foraging essentials like mushroom knives, books, and other tools may be available for purchase. If you are counting on purchasing something, please message us ahead of time to make sure we have what you are looking for.

Approximate Itinerary
10:00-11:00 – Educational Presentation
11:00-11:30 – Break & Gear Shopping
11:30-1:00 – Foraging Adventure
1:00-1:15 – Group Review & Q&A

Important Details

Nature is unpredictable: Plant and mushroom growth varies with the environment – we can never guarantee what or how much variety will be found. Weather may not be ideal. There will be bugs – they might be cute or they might be annoying. We recommend spraying your clothes with Permethrin to deter ticks (especially in spring).
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.
Location: Sometimes the location is chosen ahead of time and sometimes the location is broad (i.e., “within an hour of Minneapolis”) and chosen closer to the event based on environmental conditions. Exact details will be emailed at least one day prior to the event. Please note that a parking fee or day 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 may be available for purchase.
What to wear: Sturdy, close-toed footwear and long pants are recommended. If the conditions have been wet, consider waterproof boots.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Cancel 72+ hours before the event for a credit toward a future class.
Cancellations within 72 hours are not eligible for credit.
Severe weather cancellations will result in a credit for future use.
A minimum number of attendees is required; refunds will be issued if the class is canceled due to low enrollment.

This is a rain or shine event—get ready for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors.

Reserve your spot today and join us for this exciting foraging adventure!

Springtime Foraging
2025-05-03 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | within 40 minutes SW of Minneapolis, MN
Join us for a hands-on outdoor experience that will 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. Together, we’ll learn all about foraging safely for common, edible mushrooms and plants.
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 and harvest edible mushrooms we find. While mushroom growth varies with the environment, we can never guarantee what or how much variety will be found – although we will be hunting in an area that has been known to produce mushrooms. The real reward is the knowledge you’ll gain to forage confidently on your own. We will also be identifying important trees and edible plants along the way. Please note we will not be harvesting any plants. Potential spring finds include oysters, morels, ramps, nettle, fiddleheads, and more.
Community and Sharing: Bring home any mushrooms we find! If we harvest enough mushrooms, 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
4:00-4:30 – Group 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.
Location: Sometimes the location is chosen ahead of time and included in the class description, and sometimes the location is broad (i.e., “within an hour of Minneapolis”) and chosen a day or two before class based on environmental conditions. Exact details will be emailed one day prior to the event. Please note that a parking fee or day 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.
What to wear: Sturdy, close-toed footwear and long pants are recommended. If the conditions have been wet, consider waterproof boots.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Cancel 72+ hours before the event for a credit toward a future class.
Cancellations within 72 hours are not eligible for credit.
Severe weather cancellations will result in a credit for future use.
A minimum number of attendees is required; refunds will be issued if the class is canceled due to low enrollment.

This is a rain or shine event—get ready for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors.

Reserve your spot today and join us for this exciting foraging adventure!

Tree Identification Class
2025-04-27 14:00 - 15:45 (America/Chicago) | 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 Foraging Adventure
2025-04-26 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, WI, 54024, United States
Join us for a hands-on outdoor experience 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. Together, we’ll learn all about foraging safely for common, edible mushrooms and plants.
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 1000 acres of woods at Big Rock Creek as we search for and harvest edible plants and mushrooms. While mushroom and plant growth varies with the environment, we can never guarantee what or how much variety will be found – although we will be hunting in an area that has been known to produce mushrooms and edible plants. The real reward is the knowledge you’ll gain to forage confidently on your own. We will also be identifying important trees along the way.
Potential Finds: Depending on the spring weather, this could be slightly early for mushrooms. However, we expect to find plants to harvest, which could include ramps, fiddleheads, watercress, nettle and more. We will hope for mushrooms like oysters, morels, pheasant back and more! It is exciting that we will be able to harvest edible plants since we are on private property! Most public land does not allow harvesting of plants.
Community and Sharing: Bring home any mushrooms 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
4:00-4:30 – Group 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.
Location: Big Rock Creek, 1674 State Highway 87 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024. Meet at the big barn.
A day pass is required for anyone that is not already camping at Big Rock Creek. These can be purchased ahead of time here.
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.
What to wear: Sturdy, close-toed footwear and long pants are recommended. If the conditions have been wet, consider waterproof footwear.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Cancel 72+ hours before the event for credit toward a future class.
Cancellations within 72 hours are not eligible for credit.
Severe weather cancellations will result in a credit for future use.
A minimum number of attendees is required; refunds will be issued if the class is canceled due to low enrollment.

This is a rain or shine event—get ready for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors.

Reserve your spot today and join us for this exciting foraging adventure!

Late Fall Mushroom Hunting
2024-10-20 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Fall Mushroom Hunting
2024-10-06 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Fall Foray and Apps with Forager Chef
2024-09-28 13:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | TBD, but within 1 hour south of Mpls
Join Chick of the Woods and Forager Chef for a day of foraging fun! We will start the day with a brief chat about what mushrooms are in season and how to find and identify them, followed by a mushroom hunt searching for common edible mushrooms. Finally, we will end the day by enjoying a few appetizers prepared by Forager Chef during a social hour with other nature nerds.
Approximate Itinerary:
1:00-1:30… Welcome and brief discussion
1:30-3:15… Mushroom Hunt
3:15-3:45… Mushroom Review and Identifications
3:45-5:30… Appetizers and Social Hour

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.
*The mushroom hunt will focus on finding and identifying common, edible mushrooms – we do not know all the names of the lesser known mushrooms.
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.
For Events Involving Food:
*If you have any food restrictions, please email us to see if we can accommodate before signing up.
*Please bring your own beverages.

Fall Foraging with Optional Tasting
2024-09-15 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | TBD, but within 1 hour south of Mpls
This is an outdoor adventure for those interested in becoming confident foraging common fall mushrooms and other wild edibles. We will first take about one hour for intros and 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 or edible plants that we find. If we do find mushrooms, we will split them evenly with the group. We will then meet back where we started to wrap up and go over what we found.
After we are done foraging, those that have purchased the tasting option will include a brief cooking demo and be served a light tasting of seasonal mushrooms. This may include gluten and dairy, but will be vegetarian. Feel free to bring a bag dinner to eat in addition to the light tasting.
Approximate Itinerary:
1-2pm: Intro and Discussion
2-4pm: Foraging and Identifications
4-5pm: Cooking and Tasting
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
2024-09-07 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

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.

Summertime Mushroom Hunt
2024-08-17 09:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | TBD, but within 1 hour south 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 goodies 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:
9:30 – Discussion
10:30 – Break
10:45 – Foraging
12:30 – Review and Questions
1:00 – Farewells
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.

Fun with Fungi - Kids Event
2024-08-14 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Shakopee, MN
Get your kids excited about mushrooms and the outdoors this summer! We will discuss safety and learn all about mushrooms, go for a mushroom scavenger hunt, and learn how to make mushroom art. This class will take place outdoors, rain or shine, but will be cancelled for severe weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The class fee includes one adult and one child. Additional family members may register for an additional fee. The foraging location will be determined and emailed to you two days prior to class due to variation in growing conditions that affect mushroom availability. The location will be within 20 minutes of Shakopee, and you will be walking on uneven terrain, so please dress accordingly. Bring a basket or bag, a pocket knife, and sun and/or bug protection if you wish to use it. There is no guarantee we will find mushrooms, but we will have samples to show if that happens. You can bring home any mushrooms you find! Handouts will be provided to assist you in future foraging.
This class is offered through Shakopee Community Education and you can purchase tickets ($36) through this link.

Mushroom Hunting in Wisconsin
2024-08-04 13:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | 1 hour east of Minneapolis in Wisconsin
Explore a beautiful forest in Wisconsin and learn a lifelong skill of foraging for your own healthy and nutritious food!
Chick of the Woods is excited to help you gain confidence foraging for common edible mushrooms. Before we head out foraging, we will discuss foraging basics, safety, identifications, and answer any questions. Then we will wander into the woods looking 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 you harvest! No experience necessary.
Approximate itinerary:
1:30-2:30 – Discussion
2:30-2:45 – Break
2:45-5:00 – Foraging
5:00-5:30 – Review and Questions
Disclaimers:
*Please note that mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you via email the day prior to the event, or sooner.
*To avoid any sense of competition, foraging finds will be split evenly among the group.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit can be used towards a future event.
*The location may require a parking fee.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met.
*Kids are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*Parking fee or day pass may be required.

Summertime Mushroom Hunt
2024-07-27 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | TBD, but within 1 hour south 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 goodies 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:
10:00 – Discussion
11:00 – Foraging
12:45 – Review and Questions
1:00 – Farewells
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.

Summer Foraging with Tasting
2024-07-20 09:00 - 13:30 UTC | within an hour of minneapolis
This is an outdoor adventure for the beginner forager interested in becoming confident foraging common summertime mushrooms and edible berries. We will first take about one hour for intros and 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 or edible berries that we find. If we do find mushrooms, we will split them evenly with the group. We will then meet back where we started to wrap up and go over what we found. Foraging and identifications will last approximately two hours.
After we are done foraging, those that have purchased the tasting option will include a brief cooking demo and served a light tasting of mushrooms that are in season. This may include gluten and dairy, but will be vegetarian. If you did not purchase the tasting option, feel free to hang out as long as you wish. Everyone is encouraged to bring a bag lunch to eat in addition to the light tasting.
Approximate Itinerary:
9-10am: Intro and Discussion
10am-12:30pm: Foraging and Identifications
12:30-1:30pm: Cooking and Tasting
The exact location of the event will 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, class will be cancelled and you will be able to use your credit for a future event. We are never guaranteed to find mushrooms.

Wild Berry Foraging 101
2024-07-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Shakopee, MN
Learn how to safely forage for wild berries! We will begin with a discussion about wild berry foraging followed by a walk through the park looking for and discussing wild edible berries along the way, as well as how to identify poisonous berries. Berries found may include wild raspberries, blackberries, mulberries, choke cherries, gooseberries, wild grapes, plums, and more. Bring home any berries you find! This class will take place outdoors, and will take place rain or shine, but will be cancelled for severe weather. The foraging location will be determined and emailed to you two days prior to class due to variation in conditions that affect berry availability. Handouts will be provided to assist you in future foraging.
This class is offered through Shakopee Community Education and you can purchase tickets ($39) through this link.

CHICKS ONLY!! Mushroom Hunt and Wild Mushroom Lunch
2024-07-13 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | within one hour west of Minneapolis
Bring your mom, grandma, daughter, sisters, aunties, nieces, girlfriends, or just yourself to this “Chicks Only” day! Even though no guys are allowed, we will be searching for “fun-gis.” We might even find an Old Man of the Woods.
Besides learning about mushrooms, we will have tons of fun and meet new friends. We will also discuss tree identification, plants, and berries we come across while we are in the woods. A delicious picnic lunch with wild mushrooms will prepared by the fabulous Jodi Gruhn with Borealle. Lunch will not only be delicious, but it will also be 100% fresh, healthy, and vegan.
Jodi preparing lunch at the Chicks Only hunt in 2023
Approximate Itinerary:
11:00-12:00 Educational Bit
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:00 Mushroom Hunt
3:00-??? Review Mushrooms and Social Hour
2023 Chicks Only Lunch – Mushroom Sushi
*Exact location of the hunt will be emailed to attendees by 4pm one day prior to the hunt, but will be located within an hour of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit can be used towards a future event.
*The location may require a parking fee.
*If you have any food restrictions, please email us to see if we can accommodate before signing up.
*Please bring your own beverages.
*We will be walking off-trail on uneven terrain.
*We are never guaranteed to find mushrooms, but I guarantee you will learn how to find them.

Summertime Foraging
2024-07-06 13:30 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, WI, 54024, United States
Explore the beautiful forest at Big Rock Creek and learn a lifelong skill of foraging for your own food! Tickets for this event are available at Big Rock Creek’s website for $85.
Chick of the Woods is back at Big Rock to help you gain confidence foraging for edible mushrooms, berries, and plants. Before we head out foraging, we will discuss foraging basics, safety, identifications, and answer any questions. Then we will wander into the woods looking for, discussing, and picking edible goodies that we find. After the hunt we will review what’s in your basket and discuss ways to cook your finds. Take home what you harvest! No experience necessary.
Approximate itinerary:
1:30-2:30 – Discussion
2:30-2:45 – Break
2:45-5:00 – Foraging
5:00-5:30 – Review and Questions
Disclaimers:
-The event will happen rain or shine, but in cases of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, class will be cancelled and you will be able to use your credit for a future event.
-We will be hiking (very slowly) off trail and through uneven terrain.
-Kids are welcome but at the same rate as adults.
-We are never guaranteed to find mushrooms.

Last Minute Foraging Adventure
2024-06-30 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | within 1 hour south of Mpls
All this recent rain has been phenomenal for growing fungi! Join Chick of the Woods and find what food this rain has brought us. We will be foraging for common, summertime edible mushrooms and berries. Before we head out foraging, we will discuss foraging basics, safety, identifications, and answer any questions. Then we will wander into the woods looking for, discussing, and picking edible mushrooms and berries that we find. After the hunt we will review what’s in your basket and discuss ways to cook your finds. Take home what you harvest! No experience necessary.
Approximate itinerary:
10:00 – Discussion
11:00 – Break
11:15 – Foraging
1:15 – Review and Questions
1:30 – Farewell
All the Disclaimers:
*Please note that mushroom and plant growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed.
*The exact location and more details will be shared with you via email the day prior to the event, or sooner.
*To avoid any sense of competition, foraging finds will be split evenly among the group.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit can be used towards a future event.
*The location may require a parking fee.
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met.
*Kids are welcome at the same rate as adults.
*Parking fee or day pass may be required.

Tree Identification Class
2024-06-05 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Bloomington, MN, Bloomington, MN
Have you always wanted to learn how to identify trees better? Mastering your tree identification skill is useful for many reasons, but our favorite reason is to improve our ability to find mushrooms. We will not focus the evening on mushrooms, but we will mention which mushrooms are associated with the trees we find. Whatever your reason, join us to learn more about your native MN trees.
Exact location, TBD, but we will be somewhere in Bloomington, MN. It will be an easy, slow walk through the woods, staying on trail, and stopping to discuss identification of the trees we find along the way. The walk will be about 1 mile long and last approximately 2 hours.
Event will be held rain or shine, but will be postponed for severe weather. Credit will be given for a future event if cancellation is needed.

Memorial Day Mushroom Hunt and Light Tasting
2024-05-27 13:00 - 17:00 UTC | within an hour of minneapolis
Join Chick of the Woods on a relaxing walk through the forest looking for edible plants and mushrooms. We will start with a brief discussion about foraging, safety, and identification tips. Then we will head out into the woods, either sticking together or venturing off on your own, searching for forest treasures. After about two hours of foraging, we will meet back to look over and talk about the treasures you found on your adventure. You are welcome to keep what you find or share with others.
A fun outdoor adventure for the person interested in gaining confidence foraging for their own food. We will discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks, and answer any questions and wander through the woods looking for mushrooms and edible plants. We hope to find plants like ramps, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, or garlic mustard and mushrooms like oysters, morels, velvet foot, or pheasant backs.
After our foraging adventure, we will meet back to review the mushrooms we found and partake in a light tasting of wild, springtime mushrooms.
The exact location and more details of the event will emailed to attendees at least 24 hours before the event but will be held within 1 hour south of Minneapolis.
The event will happen rain or shine. In cases of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the class will be cancelled and you can use your credit for a future event.
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.

Morels and More Weeknight Foraging
2024-05-23 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Prior Lake, MN, Prior Lake, United States
Join Chick of the Woods for an evening of foraging fun on private land in Prior Lake, just 30 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis. Expect a fabulous evening meeting like-minded people and foraging for edible plants and mushrooms.
We will begin the evening by discussing edible species of mushrooms and plants that are common in springtime including their look-alikes, foraging basics, safety, tools, technology, and answer any questions you may have.
After the discussion, we will head into the woods looking for and picking edible mushrooms and plants. Please note that while harvesting plants is NOT allowed on public land, this is private land so we ARE able to harvest plants, too! (Mushrooms are harvestable on certain public lands.)
Once we get back from the woods, Chick of the Woods will go over what you found to make sure everything you have is safe. We will also have a recap and discuss any new species we didn’t talk about during the presentation. You will be able to take home any mushrooms or plants that we harvest, but to avoid any sense of competition, we will be splitting our finds evenly throughout the group.
Disclaimers:
*Please note that mushroom growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed. We do our best to find good spots, but our goal isn’t just about gathering. It’s about learning so you can forage on your own. We’ll share the exact location and more details about the day with you at least 24 hours before the event.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit can be used towards a future event.

Morels and More Foraging Adventure
2024-05-19 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | within 2 hours of minneapolis
A fun outdoor adventure for the nature lover interested in gaining confidence and learning tips foraging for their own food. We will discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks, and answer any questions and then wander through the woods looking for mushrooms and edible plants. We hope to see plants like ramps, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, or garlic mustard and pick mushrooms like oysters, morels, velvet foot, pheasant backs or more. Bring home any mushrooms you find!
Chick of the Woods may offer a light tasting of wild mushrooms that are in season, if available. This is very likely but an email will be sent before the hunt to confirm and see if you’d like to add the tasting, which would be optional. A fee would apply and the tasting would add 1 hour of time after the hunt (ending at 5:30pm).
Disclaimers:
*Please note that mushroom growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed. We’ll do our best to find good spots, but our goal isn’t just about gathering. It’s about learning so you can forage on your own. We’ll share the exact location and more details about the day with you at least 24 hours before the event.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit can be used towards a future event.
*The class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. A refund will be provided in this scenario.
*The location may require a parking fee.
*More detailed information about location, what to expect, and what to bring will be shared with attendees at least one day prior the event.

SOLD OUT - Morels and More Foraging and Tasting Adventure
2024-05-11 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | within an hour of minneapolis
A fun outdoor adventure for the person interested in gaining confidence foraging for their own food. We will discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks, and answer any questions and wander through the woods looking for mushrooms and edible plants. We hope to find plants like ramps, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, or garlic mustard and pick mushrooms like oysters, morels, or pheasant backs. Bring home any mushrooms you find!
After the mushroom hunt, Chick of the Woods will cook up a delicious, light tasting of wild mushrooms that are in season.
Disclaimers:
*Please note that mushroom growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed. We’ll do our best to find good spots, but our goal isn’t just about gathering. It’s about learning so you can forage on your own. We’ll share the exact location and more details about the day with you at least 24 hours before the event.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit can be used towards a future event.
*The location may require a parking fee.
*If you have any food restrictions, please email us to see if we can accommodate before signing up. *Please bring your own beverages.

SOLD OUT - Springtime Foraging 101
2024-05-08 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Shakopee, MN
Learn how to safely forage for springtime edible plants and mushrooms! You’ll learn how to identify and where to find edible mushrooms and plants, as well as which ones to avoid. Edible mushrooms covered will include: morel, oyster, and pheasant back. Edible plants will include: stinging nettle, ramps, and fiddlehead ferns. We will begin with a discussion, followed by a walk in the woods searching for species mentioned plus any additional edible species we happen to come across. This class will take place outdoors, and will take place rain or shine, but will be cancelled for severe weather. The foraging location will be determined and emailed to you two days prior to class due to variation in growing conditions that affect mushroom availability. The location will be within 20 minutes of Shakopee, and you will be walking on uneven terrain, so please dress accordingly. Bring a basket or bag, a pocket knife, and sun and/or bug protection if you wish to use it. There is no guarantee we will find mushrooms or edible plants, but you can bring home any mushrooms you find! Handouts will be provided to assist you in future foraging.
**This class is being offered through Shakopee Community Education. To purchase tickets ($64), follow this link.

SOLD OUT! Morels and More Foraging Adventure
2024-05-04 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | within an hour of minneapolis
A fun outdoor adventure for the person interested in gaining confidence foraging for their own food. We will discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks, and answer any questions and wander through the woods looking for mushrooms and edible plants. We hope to find plants like ramps, fiddlehead ferns, stinging nettle, or garlic mustard and mushrooms like oysters, morels, or pheasant backs. Bring home any mushrooms you find!
Disclaimers:
*Please note that mushroom growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed. We’ll do our best to find good spots, but our goal isn’t just about gathering. It’s about learning so you can forage on your own. We’ll share the exact location and more details about the day with you at least 24 hours before the event.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain.
*This is a rain or shine event, but if conditions are severe, the hunt will be cancelled and credit can be used towards a future event.
*The location may require a parking fee.
*If you have any food restrictions, please email us to see if we can accommodate before signing up. *Please bring your own beverages.

Morels and More Foraging Adventure
2024-04-28 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | within 2 hours south of minneapolis
Morels are starting to pop and I’m anxious to get out there! Want to come with? This last-minute outdoor foraging adventure will first discuss foraging basics, safety, tips/tricks to finding and identifying morels and other edible plant and mushroom species, and of course we will answer any questions. Then we will wander through the woods looking for and identifying a variety mushrooms and edible plants. We hope to find morels, but there is no guarantee. However, even if we don’t find any, we will talk about how to find and identify them so you will leave feeling confident knowing how hunt for them on your own. We will discuss a variety of edible plants and mushrooms we find along the way. Bring home any mushrooms you find. Plants can not be harvested. No experience necessary.
All the Disclaimers…
*Class may be cancelled if minimum attendance is not met. You will receive a refund in this case.
*Class is rain or shine, but may be cancelled in cases of miserable or severe weather. Credit can be used towards a future event in this case.
*Mushroom growth is subject to various environmental factors, and their presence during our foraging adventures cannot be guaranteed. We’ll do our best to find good spots, but our goal isn’t just about gathering. It’s about learning so you can forage confidently on your own.
*We’ll share the exact location and more details about the day with you at least one day prior the event.
*We will be walking off-trail and on uneven terrain. It could be very hilly in this area and somewhat strenuous, depending on where you choose to venture.
*The location may require a parking fee.
*Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed in this area.

Tree Identification Workshop
2023-10-22 14:00 - 16:30 UTC | The Trailhead Building at Theodore Wirth Park, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN, United States
*This class will be a combination of indoors and outdoors and does not require any prior tree identification knowledge.*
Learn how to identify Minnesota trees during the most gorgeous time of year! Tree shape, coloring, bark patterns, habitat, leaves, and twigs all help conclude what kind of tree we are looking at. Mastering your tree identification skill is useful for many reasons, but our favorite reason is to improve your ability to find mushrooms. We will learn to identify native trees found in the twin cities metropolitan area, and focus on those that have prime edible mushrooms associated with them.
We will begin by meeting indoors for about an hour to discuss tree types and features that will help differentiate one from another. The presentation will include the basics of tree features and identification of the elm, oak, cottonwood, ash, and box elder and the mushrooms that are associated with those trees. However, we will identify many other trees along our walk. After the discussion, we will take a slow walk through the woods, staying on trail, and stopping to discuss trees along the way. The walk will be about 1 mile long and last 1 – 1.5 hours.
Tree Identification scroll and handouts will be included.

Food and drink will be available for purchase from Mill Valley Market (located inside the Trailhead building) during the presentation.
Event will be held rain or shine, but will be postponed for severe weather. Credit will be given for a future event if cancellation is needed.

Fall Mushroom Foraging
2023-10-08 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Minneapolis, MN
Join Chick of the Woods for a day of foraging fun just 10 minutes south of Minneapolis. Foraging is not normally allowed in this park, but we will be allowed special permission to pick mushrooms for this event!
We will begin with hands-on learning, looking at samples of common, edible fall mushrooms. After our discussion, we will walk the trails (up to 1.5 miles of walking on flat trails) foraging for fungi while learning how to identify trees that are associated with fall mushrooms. This will be a beginner level class and no experience is necessary. It is not guaranteed we will find any mushrooms, but we will learn “how” to find and identify common fall mushrooms and the trees associated with those mushrooms. If we do find mushrooms, we will split any mushrooms we find with the group.
Event will happen rain or shine. In cases of severe weather or unforeseen circumstances, class will be cancelled and credit will be given for a future class.
Tickets must be purchased through Wood Lake Nature Center at this link.
