Come to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to experience the mysteries of edible, medicinal, and fantastic fungi with Charlie Aller, a.k.a. Charliceps from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 16.
A local mushroom forager, grower, and identification expert, Charliceps has been studying and loving fungi for the last five years, and his passion is real.
“The Queendom Fungi is ever-present but often out of sight– and its wonders and gifts are myriad,” he said. “You will be introduced to basic safe mushroom identification and regenerative foraging practices, native medicinal fungi, and esoteric or cryptic fungi that humans are discovering every day.”
Aller also will cover the ecology of various common species so that you can find your own mushroom spots and better understand the role that fungi play on our planet.
He’s is plugged in to the mycelial network and no matter what the weather, there’s always something intriguing to see. Seasonal transitions are especially ripe for a diverse array of species. If the group is lucky, Aller believes Maitake, Lion’s Mane, Oysters, late season Boletes, Russulas and Amanitas, and many more varieties may be found.
As the nights get colder, the delights of summer give way to the earthy flavors of fall, and all are enjoyable. A small feast will be had sampling the fruits of the unseen subterranean realm. Prepare to have your gustatory horizons expanded and learn some crucial mushroom cooking techniques that can turn any mushroom, wild or cultivated, into a savory delicacy that will wow you and your friends.
Mushroom foraging is dependent on weather and terrain conditions; therefore we will announce the meeting place and where we will be foraging closer to the day of the event. The class is rain or shine, so dress for the weather conditions of the day.
The cost of the class is $60 per person, and participation is limited to 20 people. Early registration is recommended. Forms are available on the Reynolds Homestead website at www.reynoldshomestead.vt.edu or by calling 276-694-7181.
