Although the unusual drought has made this a dismal year for the wild mushroom industry on Vancouver Island, the return of the cool fall rain should herald the blossom of some of the year's late mushrooms.
Mushroom identification and picking has played an important role in all cultures, but is only recently beginning to find a growing interest in North America. Given the economic, cultural and ecological importance of fungi, public education on this topic is lacking.
In keeping with its educational mandate Comox Valley Nature is pleased to offer a free public walk in search of edible mushrooms.
Although this year's usual weather makes it impossible to guarantee a crop of edible mushroom, this walk will be lead by an expert mushroom picker, wildcrafter and naturalist, Charlotte Ostrowski. Charlotte brings nearly two decades of experience as a professional mushroom picker, and is sure to delight both experienced naturalists and beginners alike.
This walk will take place on Saturday Oct. 20. Participants should meet at 9 a.m. in front of the Old Church Theatre on Harmston Avenue, or 9: 30 at William's Beach Forest. Participants wishing to go directly to the site should drive north on the old Highway, past the Merville Store and turn right onto William's Beach Road. (Across the highway from the military surplus store.) Drive PAST Larkin Road on your left at approximately 2 km from the highway. The road goes past farm fields on both sides, then takes a dog leg to the left and goes through a forested area. At approximately the 3 km mark the road takes a dog leg to the right. Park at the corner on the left-hand side of the road. If you drive past the water tower, you have gone too far.
Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature which fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing weekly guided hikes and undertaking a variety of environmental projects. Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a $3 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.
The forthcoming lecture is part of CVN's Rachel Carson Memorial lectures honouring women in Environment Studies, and features well-known Vancouver Island herpetologist, Elke Wind. Ms. Wind's illustrated talk will be on local amphibian conservation and is entitled: Why Did the Toad Cross the Road - Amphibians and Road Crossing Issues.
The next CVN public outing is a members only walk on Saturday Oct. 27, Saturday, Brooklyn Creek. Meet 9: 30am at Harmston or10am at Cedar St. off Pritchard, and will be led by Dr. Chris Pielou.
Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact us at the website http: //comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca/ or Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.
