Forest Fungi Hike 

For this event, we will hike on the Clemmer Spur Trail, Cherokee National Forest near Reliance, TN. The hike will be on fairly-level terrain that stays wet. It is 1.7 miles long and dead ends at a waterfall. Participants may have to cross some wet areas depending on rainfall and the trail could be rocky and rooty in areas, but we will move slowly. If we make it all the way to the waterfall, it's a good place to stop for a snack with rocks to sit on. We will return via the same trail.

Participants should dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Bring along rain gear, water, snacks/lunch, insect repellant, sunscreen, notebook and pen. Travel to the site may take 1-2 hours depending on location, so participants may want to carpool.

This is an elective course and provides 4 credits towards the completion of the Certificate in Native Plants program.

Course objectives: Learn to find and identify mushrooms during this hands-on walk in the woods from an expert! We will discuss the main features of mushrooms used for identification, habitat types that are conducive to mushroom growth, edible and poisonous species, and the many roles mushrooms play n forest ecosystems. This will be an easy hike, approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip.

Walking/hiking difficulty rating:  easy to moderate

Driving directions and additional information will be sent out to registered participants with a reminder approximately 7-10 days before the class. 

Instructor: Rachel Swenie is a PhD candidate in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her research focuses on species diversity and trait evolution among the chanterelle mushrooms and relatives. Rachel is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and a passionate field mycologist who has worked extensively in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Rachel has led guided fungi hikes for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and serves as the scientific advisor to the Cumberland Mycological Association of Tennessee.

Registration Policy: As with all Certificate in Native Plants classes, class size is limited. To give everyone the best opportunity to participate, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $10, with the balance refunded if you cancel at least 7 calendar days before the class will be held. If the class is canceled by the instructor or the CNP program, registrants will get a full refund. Paid registrations may not be transferred to another class or to another individual.