PARIS — The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead welcomes all to “Everything you ever wanted to know about foraging for wild mushrooms,” with author and expert mushroom forager, Frank Hyman, on Thursday, August 29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Hyman’s presentation about safe mushroom foraging is based on information found in his book – How To Forage For Mushrooms without dying: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide and will include a short slide show about identifying mushrooms. Hyman has written the definitive “how-to” guide on this delicious and satisfying pastime.

Hyman, a humorous and engaging speaker, will present an entertaining and informative lecture in the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s historic barn. Hyman will discuss the ins and outs of hunting for mushrooms in the forest. Attendees will delight in Hyman’s knowledge of fungi and learn about both edible and inedible mushrooms.

During Hyman’s hour and a half presentation, he will cover a variety of the mushrooms highlighted in his book as well as safe handling and storage of fresh foraged mushrooms and anecdotes about his foray into foraging for mushrooms.

Foraging is a hobby that has exploded in popularity recently but comes with a risk. Hyman is a certified mushroom forager who teaches mushroom identification to chefs, arborists, organic farmers, and the general public. Hyman’s writing has appeared in Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Hyman also wrote the foraging columns in Paleo, Urban Farm and Hobby Farms magazines.

Hyman has taught foraging to over 1,000 farmers, arborists, chefs and members of the myco-curious public and made $200 per hour selling mushrooms to chefs (before the pandemic!).

Following Hyman’s presentation, he will host a book signing and Q&A session, allowing aspiring mushroom foragers to acquire his best-selling book and have all their foraging queries answered.

“Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Foraging for Wild Mushrooms…” is made possible thanks to the support of MaineHealth Stephens Hospital.

Registration is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Registration is open now by calling the McLaughlin Garden at (207) 743-8820 or by email at info@mclaughlingarden.org. The registration fee is non-refundable.

The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s Signature Events continue this summer, with Garden Illuminated on August 24 and, this fall, with Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular on October 17, 18 & 19.

Upcoming Summer Signature Event: Garden Illuminated | August 24 from 7-10 p.m.

Upcoming Fall Signature Event: Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular | October 17, 18 & 19 from 6-8:30 p.m.

For more information, please see the McLaughlin Garden events page at www.mclaughlingarden.org or call (207) 743-8820, to learn more about these events and other programs at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead.