What we’re about
Ecology Club is a group for getting out in nature together, sometimes to learn about it, sometimes to help it, and sometimes just to enjoy it. We will have hikes, work days for cleaning up trash or clearing invasives, herping, bug lighting, bird walks, plant walks, barefootin', and more.
Events are family friendly. Dogs may or may not be allowed, depending on the activity.
We are also a good, gentle introduction to nature for those who are uncomfortable with the outdoors.
Ideas for future events:
Herpatology outing (in planning)
Bird Walk with state biologist Fuz Sanderson (on the calendar)
Plant walks (in planning)
Bug lighting (Evening entomology outing for seeing some cool insects) (in planning)
Invasive species pull/cut work days (in planning)
Nature Sketching class/outing
Plenty of local hikes, barefootin', and opportunities to gently stretch our comfort zones with nature
and more...
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- SATURDAY Fungal Foraging with Certified Forager Sarah HawkinsEno River State Park - Pump Station Trail, Durham, NC$20.00
Oh Man! We're doing it again!!!
Learn how to forage for fungus (a.k.a. mushrooms)!
Sarah Hawkins, fungal forager extraordinaire, will be coming up from Georgia to teach two fungus foraging workshops in June, one Saturday June 7th at 4 PM and the other Sunday June 8th at 4 PM (This posting is for the Saturday event. Click here for the Sunday event.).
In her workshop, you will learn the basics of where to look for fungus, when to look for fungus, how to look for fungus, and get an idea about how to ID fungus as either a) edible (after cooking) or b) not edible (under any circumstances). And many more things besides!
She'll also be supplying some tasty treats to give you an idea of where your future fungal forays might take you :)
Due to the laws around foraging in state parks, we do not expect you to be able to take anything home with you on this outing. The trip will be educational only.
The wander in the woods will last 2 hours, with the option to extend to 3 hours if Sarah and any attendees are feeling up to it.
We will meet at Eno River State Park at the Pump Station Trail.
Sarah Hawkins
Sarah has a USDA-issued wild mushroom identification license and some 10 years of experience foraging wild mushrooms (and she's not dead yet!). Sarah has been guiding and teaching others in the ways of wild mushroom foraging for several years now and loves to pass on her knowledge to others. Any excuse to get folks out in the woods is a good excuse, in her book.Time and Duration
We'll meet at 2 PM (aim to arrive early) and get started shortly after. The foraging session will last 2 hours. Sarah says she tends to run long, so she may be out foraging and teaching for longer than 2 hours for anyone who wants to stay longer. We'll make sure that we are at a good stopping place around the 2 hour mark, regardless.Location is Eno River State Park, Pump Station Access Point
We will be at Eno River State Park, meeting at the Pump Station Access Point. There are two trailheads here. We will use the upper trailhead, up hill from the bridge. You will park along the side of the gravel road.Google Maps: "Pump Station Trail Parking"
What to Wear
Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants. We will be walking off trail a lot in our search for mushrooms. A long-sleeve shirt may also be good if you are uncomfortable being in the woods. The high for Saturday will be 80, so use your best judgement for what is best for you, your body, and your comfort being off-trail.What to Bring
Water is wise. Your phone or a camera can be handy for taking photos and a note pad and pen are also good ideas for taking notes.Sliding Scale $5 - $50, Sarah recommends $20.
This is a ticketed event. You will need to pay beforehand. You can pay Sarah directly via Venmo or by bringing cash or check to the walk (please message me if you plan to pay in-person).Venmo: @sarahlhawkins86 - Last 4: 4005
Type "Saturday Foraging Class" in the payment description.All monies will go to her to cover her travel expenses and expertise. Anyone who has not paid within 48 hours of the event will lose their spot to someone on the wait-list. Full refunds are available up to 24 hours before the event.
Weather & Weather Refunds
"We hike rain or shine, but not lightening and thunder." At least partial refunds will be available if we have to cancel the event due to weather. Otherwise, bring your goulashes and frog-togs and let's find some fungus together!We MAY decide to delay the event by one week IF it has not rained in a long time. Drought is bad for mushroom foraging because it is bad for mushrooms.
Wait-List
If you are on the wait-list, I feel for you. Just stay tuned. If you get a spot within 48 hours of the event, please pay your ticket fee immediately or remove yourself from the list, whichever is most appropriate for you. If you haven't paid by the morning of the event, you may lose your spot for someone else on the wait-list.
