South Paris, Maine (August 14, 2024) – 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 29th from 1:00 p.m. 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 24th and, this fall, with Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular on October 17, 18 & 19th.
Upcoming Summer Signature Event
Upcoming Fall Signature Event
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.
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ABOUT McLaughlin Garden and Homestead
The McLaughlin Garden is home to one of the largest collections of lilacs in New England, with 125 varieties on more than 200 trees. The garden collection also includes an impressive array of hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, wildflowers and ferns. Each year, the McLaughlin Garden welcomes nearly 10,000 visitors who come to enjoy the garden as well as our special programs and events. Now over 80 years old, the landmark two-acre garden, historic barn, and home are under the stewardship of the McLaughlin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
ABOUT Frank Hyman
In his 20’s Frank Hyman was a very successful college dropout. He decided to forgo a career and instead get paid for his hobbies. Foraging mushrooms is the ninth hobby that he’s ramped up into a profession. In the fall he sells wild mushrooms to chefs. In the summer and winter he teaches foraging classes. And at any time he might be writing foraging columns for national magazines (the other eight avocations being—horticulture, carpentry, stone masonry, sculpture, design, politics, photography and writing). His writing has appeared in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Hyman’s book – How to Forage Mushrooms Without Dying: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide – is the book he wished he’d had when he started foraging. It covers 81 species of mushrooms that are mostly edible, but also some Medicinal and Artisanal mushrooms as well as a few Sickeners and Killers. It has sold over 40,000 copies in little over one year, putting it in the top 5% of sales of all printed books. Sam Thayer–whose books on wild edible plants sell in the six-figure range—says simply, “The book is excellent.” Reviewers commend Frank’s sense of humor, plain language, safety rhymes, links to foragers’ recipes, essays about the foraging life and the great photos.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly J. Poland, Poland Media Group – 401-743-7272, kimberly@polandmediagroup.com
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