Chick of the Woods Foraging

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!

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 Foraging
2025-05-03 13:00 - 16:30 | 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!

Foraging 101 with Wild Mushroom Pizza & Truffle Tots
2025-05-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Pickled Pig Pub, 205 Broadway Street S, Jordan, MN, 55352, United States
Join us for a casual evening learning about edible springtime mushrooms and plants while we snack on wild mushroom* pizza and truffle tots!
This is a beginner-friendly class and will include common and easily identifiable mushrooms and plants you can forage during springtime. Fresh specimens will be on hand for show and tell.
We will be meeting in a private room at the Pickled Pig Pub in Jordan, MN. Wild mushroom pizza and truffle tots are included, but drinks are on your own. However, 2 for 1 drinks are available until 6:30!
*If you don’t like mushrooms, message us what kind of pizza you would like instead so we can order that as well.

Springtime Foraging
2025-05-10 10:00 - 13:15 | 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 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.

Memorial Day Mushroom Hunt and Tasting
2025-05-26 13:00 - 17:30 | 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.
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 wild mushrooms. 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 along the way.
Potential Finds: Spring mushrooms like oysters, morels, pheasant back, velvet foot, and more! While we will focus our hunt on mushrooms, we will also be able to harvest edible plants since we are on private property! Most public land does not allow harvesting of plants.
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 we can accommodate.
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
4:00-5:00 – 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.
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!

Private Class
2025-06-11 17:00 - 19:00 | MN
We are busy teaching a class today! Interesting in learning more?
In addition to private foraging adventures, we also offer educational classes on wild mushrooms, edible plants, and tree identification. These classes are a great way to deepen your knowledge of the natural world, whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your skills. Some of our most popular class topics include springtime mushrooms, summer mushrooms, fall mushrooms, tree identification, and edible plants and berries—with the option to combine plants, berries, trees, and/or mushrooms into one session. We can teach online or indoors any time of year – or teach outdoors April through November. Whenever possible, we will bring fresh, in-season samples.
Each class covers the basics of safe and ethical foraging, how to properly identify wild species, and how to locate them in their natural habitats. We tailor the content to the season and the interests of your group, making it a flexible and engaging learning experience. Pricing starts at $200 for up to a 1-hour class. Please message us at in**@*************ds.com to schedule a call and discuss what kind of class would be the best fit for your group.

CHICKS ONLY!! Mushroom Hunt and Wild Mushroom Lunch
2025-07-19 11:00 - 16:00 | TBD, but within 1 hour west or northwest of Mpls
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 provided.
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.

Summer Foraging and Tasting
2025-07-26 13:00 - 17:30 | 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.
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 wild mushrooms and plants. 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. 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: We never know what we will find, but it’s the season for mushrooms like chanterelles, boletes, chicken of the woods, and more! While we will focus our hunt on mushrooms, we will also be able to harvest edible plants or berries since we are on private property! Most public land does not allow harvesting of plants.
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 we can accommodate.
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.
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 does not have a Big Rock membership or 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!

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.

Private Hunt
2025-08-23 12:00 - 17:00 | MN
We are on a private foraging adventure today. Interested in learning more?
We offer private foraging adventures tailored to your interests and location. While we specialize in wild mushrooms, we’re also happy to explore edible plants, berries, nuts, and even help with tree identification. These guided experiences are perfect for individuals or groups—whether you have your own land and want to learn what’s edible right in your backyard, or you’re looking to gather a group of curious friends for an off-site foraging outing. We’ve hosted private hunts for a wide range of groups, including corporate outings for companies like Best Buy, schools such as Hennepin Technical College, homeschool kids, senior groups, bachelorette parties, and family get-togethers.
You can choose the location, or we’re happy to suggest one. After the forage, we can prepare a wild mushroom tasting using what we find, or bring along a curated selection of mushrooms to cook on-site. You’ll also get to take home everything we gather.
Pricing starts at $300 for a 3-hour session, and you can use the custom spreadsheet we created (best viewed on a computer) to estimate the cost of your own personalized adventure. Message us at in**@*************ds.com to schedule a phone call and chat about your land, your goals, and what kind of foraging experience you’re looking for.

Late Summer Foraging Adventure
2025-08-31 13:00 - 16:30 | 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 mushrooms! 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.
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 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: Mushrooms like chicken of the woods, hen of the woods, boletes, black trumpet, oysters, and more! Although our hunt will focus on mushrooms, we will keep our eyes out for other edible species. If mushrooms happen to be sparse, we are able to harvest edible plants and berries 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!

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
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.

Private Mushroom Hunt
2025-09-20 12:00 - 17:00 | MN
We are on a private foraging adventure today. Interested in learning more?
We offer private foraging adventures tailored to your interests and location (Minnesota and Wisconsin). While we specialize in wild mushrooms, we’re also happy to explore edible plants, berries, nuts, and even help with tree identification. These guided experiences are perfect for individuals or groups—whether you have your own land and want to learn what’s edible right in your backyard, or you’re looking to gather a group of curious friends for an off-site foraging outing. We’ve hosted private hunts for a wide range of groups, including corporate outings for companies like Best Buy, schools such as Hennepin Technical College, homeschool kids, senior groups, bachelorette parties, and family get-togethers.
You can choose the location, or we’re happy to suggest one. After the forage, we can prepare a wild mushroom tasting using what we find, or bring along a curated selection of mushrooms to cook on-site. You’ll also get to take home everything we gather.
Pricing starts at $300 for a 3-hour session, and you can use the custom spreadsheet we created (best viewed on a computer) to estimate the cost of your own personalized adventure. Message us at in**@*************ds.com to schedule a phone call and chat about your land, your goals, and what kind of foraging experience you’re looking for.

Wild & Wonderful: A Fall Foraging Retreat
2025-09-24 09:00 - 16:30 | ARC 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 is a forager and certified wildlife tracker. Her business, Four Season Foraging, is devoted to creating a space where people can learn to interact with urban and rural wild places in meaningful and sustainable ways.
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, started Chick of the Woods Foraging, LLC in 2019, and quit her day job in 2022 to educate about foraging full time. 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 Tuesday, September 9th. If you are reading this after September 9th, 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.

Hen Fest
2025-09-28 10:30 - 17:00 | within an hour of minneapolis
Maitake (also known as Hen of the Woods) is a prized mushroom you’ll find in many fine dining establishments —and luckily for us, it can also be found right here in the forest each fall. With its rich, earthy flavor and versatility in the kitchen, maitake makes the perfect centerpiece for a seasonal gathering. And we have the perfect place to do just that – Big Rock Creek in St. Criox Falls Wisconsin. We’d love for you to join us in celebrating this incredible mushroom!
Your day will include:

Mushroom education and identification tips
A guided hunt for fall mushrooms
Live cooking demo
A delicious maitake-focused lunch
Creative ways to cook and preserve maitake
Happy Hour with more maitake tastings and optional cocktails

The Fabulous Chef Jodi with Borealle will be creating the dishes
and Jaime will be educating and leading the mushroom hunt.
While nature never guarantees what we’ll find, there’s a good chance you’ll head home with some valuable mushrooms—and plenty of inspiration.
Reserve your Maitake Experience today!
Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly.
Itinerary
10:30–12:15 Educational Presentation & Cooking Demo
12:15–1:30 Lunch
1:30–3:30 Mushroom Hunt
3:30-4:00 Mushroom Review
4:00–5:00 Happy Hour with maitake snacks (cocktails available for purchase)
Important Notes

This is a rain-or-shine event. In the case of severe weather, you’ll receive credit toward a future event.
A day pass is required for this location and can be purchased here.
This will be a plant-based (vegan) experience. Please email us with any food restrictions before registering so we can confirm accommodations.
Be prepared to walk off-trail on uneven terrain.
Mushroom finds are never guaranteed.
If minimum attendance isn’t met, the event may be cancelled and refunds provided.
No refunds for cancellations, but with at least one week’s notice, we will provide credit to a future event.

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.

Private Foraging Class
2025-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 | MN

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!

2025 Holiday Forest Fair
2025-12-13 | Mustard Seed Garden Center, 10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska, MN, 55318, United States
The 4th Annual Holiday Forest Fair, hosted by Chick of the Woods, will take place on December 13, 2025 at the warm greenhouses of Mustard Seed Garden Center in Chaska, MN. This festive event is FREE and is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Please RSVP below for tickets and to be updated on the event. Many more details to come.

With 40+ nature-themed vendors, attendees can browse and shop for unique gifts and treasures. The event will also feature expert demonstrations from nature enthusiasts, including special guests Robin Greenfield, ForagerChef, Sam Thayer, and Hank Shaw who will share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors. Visitors can enjoy interactive activities for all ages, delicious food and beverages, and festive photo opportunities with Santa and the Morel Man. Visit the Holiday Forest Fair Instagram Page or Facebook Event to see samples of the unique items vendors will be bringing and more information on demonstrations and events.

Please contact Chick of the Woods if you or someone you know would be interested in vending or conducting a demonstration. *Must be nature-themed.*

2025 Forest Fair - VENDORS ONLY
2025-12-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Mustard Seed Garden Center, 10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska, MN, 55318, United States
Thank you for your interest in being a vendor at the 2025 Holiday Forest Fair. Please select the booth space you would like.
Spaces will be assigned this year.
