On September 27, 18 participants joined us at the Adams Nature Reserve near Washago for an exploration into the fascinating world of mushrooms. We are especially grateful to Barb Ryckman, who led the group and generously shared her expertise in mushroom identification.
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, and while their variety of colours, shapes, and sizes are captivating, identifying them properly takes care and attention. Barb reminded us of a few key principles:
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Look closely at features such as gills, pores, stems, and caps — these small details are often what distinguish one species from another.
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The environment matters. Some fungi grow only on wood, while others prefer soil or mossy ground.
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Never rely on appearance alone when it comes to edibility. Many toxic mushrooms look nearly identical to edible species, so unless you are with an expert, it’s best to admire them without tasting.
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Mushrooms are more than food — they play essential roles in ecosystems. Some recycle nutrients by breaking down dead material, while others form symbiotic relationships with trees, helping forests stay healthy.
Our setting for the hike was the Adams Nature Reserve, a 400-acre property protected by The Couchiching Conservancy. With its mix of wetlands, forests, and rolling terrain, the reserve is an excellent place to discover fungi and the rich biodiversity they support. Protecting places like Adams ensures that these ecosystems continue to thrive for wildlife — and for curious explorers like us.
Thank you to everyone who joined the hike, and to Barb for making the world of mushrooms come alive.
