Dozens of families and foragers gathered at Beazell Memorial Forest on Sunday to celebrate Oregon’s mushroom season at the sixth annual Mushroom Day.
The Nov. 9 event transformed the forest’s education center into a hub of fungal discovery with microscope stations, cooking demonstrations, forest walks and hands-on activities for budding mycologists of all ages.
“People in Oregon love mushrooms, and we love mushrooms, so we made it an annual thing,” said Lacey Moore, recreation coordinator for environmental health, education and creative programs with Corvallis Parks and Recreation. “We’ve tried to make it more family friendly as time goes on. Now we have some mini-mycologists.”
The event, which began during the pandemic, has grown into a major collaboration between Corvallis Parks and Recreation, Benton County, Oregon State University, the Corvallis Environmental Center and The Mushroomery.
Joey Spatafora, department head of Botany and Plant Pathology at OSU and a mycologist, called Mushroom Day one of the university’s most important outreach efforts.
“We just really enjoy interacting with the public, especially kids, getting them excited about fungi and mycology,” Spatafora said, noting several of his students participated in the event.
Jesse Ott, Benton County Natural Areas, Parks and Events Director, said the celebration offers visitors a unique look at forest life through multiple lenses — from microscopic examination to guided hikes through the timber.
“We learn together here, from looking at mushrooms under a microscope to going on hikes and getting people familiar with what to look for and how to enjoy fall mushrooming,” Ott said.
The education center itself reflects the forest’s sustainability story. The timber used to build it was harvested and refurbished from the same site, Ott noted. The county uses the facility for educational events, weddings, parties and conferences.
Jennifer Macome, owner of The Mushroomery, said connecting with the community through educational outreach drives her participation.
“We’re bringing the public in, getting them excited about mushrooms, taking them for walks in the woods, and showing them different wild mushrooms,” she said.
For some attendees, the event marked the beginning of a new hobby.
“I am a beginner forager, still learning how to identify mushrooms,” said Corvallis resident Danielle Silver. “I just want to learn more.”
At the Corvallis Environmental Center activity table, Evelia Verburg, Nature Programs and Camp Coordinator, facilitated hands-on learning activities in her second year at the event.
“I enjoy helping kids learn about mushrooms with fun activities,” Verburg said.
Ott credited the event’s success to community collaboration.
“This event is a lot of teamwork,” he said. “We all just come together and make it happen.”
As mushroom hunting season continues, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office reminds foragers to be prepared before heading outdoors. The American Hiking Society recommends carrying 10 essential items to ensure trail safety.