HCT Mushroom Walk reveals jewels of the forest floor

“On a good mushroom walk, you don’t go too far or too fast,” said mycologist Aubrey Carter. “So, keep your eyes peeled.”

Mycologist Aubrey Carter examines a mushroom on a Harwich Conservation Trust Mushroom Walk at Coy’s Brook Woodlands. 

Thus prepared, a fun bunch of fungi fans set off slowly at Coy’s Brook Woodlands on a Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) Mushroom Walk. And once you turn your gaze downward, it turns out that mushrooms are everywhere!

Carter became intrigued with mushrooms through an ecological lens, as opposed to foraging for food. “I’m interested in finding something cool that I haven’t seen before,” he said.

He urges significant caution for those considering consuming mushrooms found in the wild. “If you don’t eat them, you’re not going to get sick,” said Carter.

The Westport Land Trust provides this succinct warning: “Some species of wild mushroom are poisonous and toxicity of some species vary with geographic location. In addition, the edibility of some mushrooms depends on methods of preparation for cooking. Before consuming wild mushrooms, consult multiple sources to make sure you know EXACTLY what you are eating, and ideally have an expert identify any mushroom before you eat it for the first time.”

Look out below

A mushroom is discovered on a Harwich Conservation Trust Mushroom Walk at Coy’s Brook Woodlands. 

Carter’s ecological approach to the walk gave the outing a treasure hunt vibe. In a way, it was like birdwatching: seeking the unusual, paying attention to detail, working on your ability to really be in the moment and notice the world around you. But instead of looking up, all eyes were on the ground.

Many in the group had an amazing knack for noticing the caps and stems of mushrooms poking up through the leaves, then Carter would step in for an in-depth identification and education session.

Before moving to the Cape in February, Carter worked at different ecological institutions in and around the New York City area, most prominently with the Central Park Conservancy in Manhattan and Manitou Point Preserve in Garrison, NY. 

Nearly five years ago, he started a weekly newsletter (mushroommonday.com) that highlights different mushrooms he finds throughout his travels. Additionally, he has cultivated mushrooms both indoors and outdoors, spoken at different mycological conferences, and recently helped reestablish the Cape Cod Mycological Society.

Luckily, it had rained a couple of days before the walk, which can inspire mushrooms to pop up. “Mushrooms are 90 percent water for the most part,” said Carter. “So, they need available precipitation in the environment to fruit.”

What mushrooms are up to

We also learned about the reproductive mission of mushrooms. “The whole point of the mushroom–it’s the fruiting body–is to release spores,” said Carter. “Those are akin to seeds in plants.”

A stalwart band of fungi fans assembled at Coy’s Brook Woodlands for a Harwich Conservation Trust Mushroom Walk. 

Carter used sight, smell, location and years of experience to identify mushrooms as we moved down the trail. Scientific names floated in the air and mushrooms were passed around the group for a closer look and a sniff. Carter’s breadth of knowledge was astounding, and some of the attendees were impressively knowledgeable as well.

For beginners, this fungus foray served as an excellent way to whet the mushroom appetite. There’s so much fun stuff to learn about these capped charmers, and it’s so rewarding to find them, peeking out in the soft forest light.

The next HCT Mushroom Walk with Aubrey Carter is scheduled for November 7th, from 10 a.m. to noon at Coy’s Brook Woodlands. The cost is $20. Reserve your spot by clicking here.

Photos below by Pat Watson

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.