Summer Wild Mushroom Foray

Chanterelles remain active this time of year — often continuing well beyond July — and are still one of the most dependable species in Minnesota through much of late summer. Hedgehog mushrooms and, depending on moisture patterns, early yellowfoot can also begin appearing alongside other mid-summer species. Lobster mushrooms, chicken of the woods, oyster mushrooms, and a range of Russula and other forest species may also be present. Diversity can be strong if conditions cooperate. The goal is not just to find mushrooms — it’s to understand why they’re there.

This foray focuses on:

• Identifying consistent summer species and their habitat

• Differentiating chanterelles, hedgehogs, and lookalikes

• Understanding how rainfall and temperature influence ongoing fruiting

• Expanding species knowledge beyond the obvious