Mushroom Hunting: Summer Session
Wednesday August 20, 2025 | 1:15- 2:45 PM
Beechwood Center | 44 Beach Street | No Kingstown, RI 02852
On August 20, 2024 from 1:15 to 2:45, join Ryan Bouchard and Emily Schmidt from the Mushroom Hunting Foundation at the Beechwood Center for Life in North Kingstown, RI to learn about mushrooms.
Many Rhode Islanders are surprised to learn how many native wild mushrooms species are not only safe to eat but incredibly delicious. Seeking them out is perhaps the best hobby on Earth, combining fascinating science, outdoor adventure and truly amazing food experiences. Ryan and Emily’s slideshow of all-local photography will provide professional guidance and explain the science and the safety rules of mushroom hunting. We will take a closer look at some species they consider “safe for beginners” to identify and cook with.
Ryan T Bouchard is the author and photographer of the influential book Gourmet Mushrooms of the Northeast 2019. Emily (Schmidt) Bouchard created the groundbreaking instructional video series In the Weeds with Emily Schmidt. Together they created The Mushroom Hunting Foundation and have educated thousands toward safely enjoying America’s incredible wild foraging.
This lecture series is offered by Beechwood Life Center and was founded in collaboration with URI Master Gardeners and RIWPS. Master Gardeners receive education credits for attending.
The program is free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
To Register: Contact the Volunteer/Program Coordinator at The Beechwood Center for Life Enrichment – 401-268-1594 or malyward@ northkingstownri.gov
- Registration is open for this lecture only and not for October’s lecture.
- Please note: Although the Beechwood Garden programs are offered to members and the public, if you have not attended past lectures and/or registered your contact information with the Beechwood Center in the last three (3) years, you may need to provide an updated information form. The form will be provided by Beechwood Staff at the time of the lecture. Completion of this form is required for participation in all Beechwood Programs.
Save the dates! Upcoming Beechwood Garden Lectures in 2025
October 15, 2025: MISUNDERSTOOD ARBORICULTURAL PRACTICES: GETTING IT RIGHT
Chris Fletcher, Certified Arborist
Chris Fletcher spent much of his childhood with his father, a naturalist, visiting the woods of Mount Hope RI and these experiences made him acutely aware of the forest , its functional, cultural and aesthetic qualities. His professional career includes 12 years with the RIDOT, 20 years with Bartlett Tree, home to the world’s largest Arboricultural Diagnostic Clinic in the world. Additionally, Chris is entrusted with the care of Bristol’s historic Juniper Hill Cemetery a National Historic Landmark. Chris will discuss pruning, root collars, wood chip
mulch, irrigation, cabling and root regeneration.