Join Carrie Deegan from the Forest Society for a presentation to learn about basic fungi ecology and identification strategies.  We will meet from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the Kimball Library and then jump in your car and follow us to a fun fungi foray in nearby woods from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. Participants will learn how fungi grow and reproduce, why they are important ecologically and to humans, and will become familiar with some of the mushroom families and species commonly found in our area. This is a great workshop for people who are interested in mushrooms for photography, general interest, or foraging for medicine or food, but aren't sure how to get started.

Bring  water and a bag lunch or snacks, and basket (or paper bag with handles) and pocket knife if you have one.  Wear long pants and closed toed shoes, as we will likely be walking off-trail in some areas. Bug spray and sunscreen may be helpful as well.

Presenter: Carrie Deegan has worked for the Society for the Protection of NH Forests for more than 15 years, where she is currently their Reservation Stewardship & Engagement Director. Prior to this, she worked in Vermont as an Environmental Planner and taught biology classes at the Community College of Vermont. She holds an M.Sc in Natural Resource Management from the University of British Columbia, where she studied grizzly bear mortality at Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks. Carrie has been fascinated with New Hampshire's fungi for more than a decade and loves to spend time in the woods identifying, photographing and foraging mushrooms. She lives in New London, NH with her husband and two children.

*This event is sponsored by the Atkinson Conservation Commission as part of their 50th celebration and hosted by the Kimball Library.