Tag: Mushroom identification

Exploring ZEC Dumoine and area around

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) will organize an event in the area of ZEC Dumoine and Grand Chute in southwestern Quebec. This wilderness area, which is managed by local communities, is attractive in any season of the year due to the beauty of natural landscapes and the richness of pristine biodiversity typical for Canadian boreal forests. If you are interested to explore Dumoine, please, contact us for details. The events will take place on Saturday – August 26 and Sunday – August 27.

On Saturday, August 26, we’ll organize a hike from Grand Chute at ZEC Dumoine to Robinson Lake around 1:00 pm. Executive Director of CPAWS-OV – John McDonnell – will talk about forests and conservation. We will talk also about the biodiversity of this wilderness area, including mushrooms. On Sunday, we will organize excursions to various places for nature enthusiasts, including canoe trips on Dumoine from Robertson Lake to Red Pine Rapids and walking along the stream in the Rapids area for nature exploration as well as mushroom identification. This place is very rich in both the variety of mushroom species and their abundance. If you are interested in the trip and would like to join, please communicate with us in advance.

CPAWS-OV will provide dinner in the evening in the area of our camp for all participants of our excursions.

Place and Subject of the Excursions:

The ZEC Dumoine is a controlled harvesting zone (Zone d’exploitation controlee – ZEC). It is located in the administrative region of the Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Quebec, Canada. You have the opportunity to come for a day on Saturday or for one or two nights as preferred.  We’ll have a number of various excursions including trips to Grand Chute – a picturesque waterfall with exciting rapids, we’ll visit also a place near Robertson Lake, Stevens Pond, and other interesting areas that to see the scenic landscapes and pristine nature.

After arrival to Swisha, you need to register at ZEC Dumoine Visitor Center for ZEC Rapides-des-Joachims Registration fees are 12$ per car. If you want to do the hike at Grande Chute, you will have to pay a second $12.00 car fee for that ZEC. It is better to have a four-wheel drive car to reach the area at Grand Chute and around, so if you plan to visit Robinson Lake, please, register at both ZECs.

There is an opportunity for carpooling from Ottawa on Friday afternoon – August 25 for 2 people.

Dress:

Watch for the weather forecast and be prepared accordingly. For the trip you will need a sleeping bag and a tent, as well as warm clothes, and a pair of changeable shoes – shoes should be good for hiking on the trails. In addition, you need to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. If you are planning to join the canoe trip, it is advisable to bring your own life jacket. We have a few vests there, but not enough. We also need to know the number of people who will join in order to organize food, hiking, and leisure activities. It will be good to have swimming suites. You need also to have headlamps for the evening.

Guided mushroom identification tour to Gatineau area

This is a guided tour for mushroom enthusiasts on Sunday, August 13. We’ll explore several places in the Gatineau area (crown land) that to see a diversity of mushrooms at this time of the year.  We learn how to identify mushrooms and know some basic rules related to their search and picking up. Please, confirm your participation. We’ll meet at Parking 17 in Gatineau Park at 9:30 am (this is the exit to Wakefield from Highway 5). From there, we’ll drive together to the places of our excursion.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

We will stop in several places to explore the area and search for mushrooms. We’ll learn how to identify mushrooms, places where we can pick up mushrooms, and just enjoy the trip to the forest in a beautiful area. We’ll talk also about the diversity of mushrooms in Ottawa Valley and about other forest creatures we’ll be able to spot.

We recommend carpooling from Ottawa because the area is at a distance of more than 100 km. I will be able to take 3 passengers to my car.

Dress:

Watch for the weather forecast and be prepared accordingly. For the trip, you will need a pair of good shoes for hiking along the trails. Do not forget sunscreen and insect repellent. You also need to take water and a light snack.

Guided Mushroom Identification Tour to Madawaska Area

On Saturday, August 19,  we are going to explore several places in Madawaska Highlands with our traditional mushroom identification tour.  We learn how to identify mushrooms and know some basic rules related to their search and picking up. Please, confirm your participation. We’ll meet at Hazeldean Mall at 9:00 am near the big board with the address “300 Eagleson Rd.” From the mall, we’ll drive together to the place of our excursion.

The area of Madawaska Highlands in Central Ontario can be characterized by rolling hills and forests with streams, lakes, and small waterfalls, typical for Canadian Shield. This area was explored by Samuel de Champlain, the first European explorer. He visited the area in 1615 with the assistance of local indigenous communities – Huron Indigenous People.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

We will stop in several places to explore the area and search for mushrooms. We’ll learn how to identify mushrooms, places where we can pick up mushrooms, and just enjoy the trip to the forest in a beautiful area. We’ll talk also about the diversity of mushrooms in Ottawa Valley and about other forest creatures we’ll be able to spot.

We recommend carpooling from Ottawa because the area is at a distance of more than 100 km. I will be able to take 3 passengers to my car.

Dress:

Watch for the weather forecast and be prepared accordingly. For the trip, you will need a pair of good shoes for hiking along the trails. Do not forget sunscreen and insect repellent. You also need to take water and a light snack.

Camping in Dumoine Area

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) has organized an art camp in the area of ZEC Dumoine and Grand Chute in southwestern Quebec. This wilderness area, which is managed by local communities, is attractive in any season of the year due to the beauty of natural landscapes and the richness of pristine biodiversity typical for Canadian boreal forests. If you are interested to explore Dumoine, please, contact us for details. The event will take place between August 2 and 8, but you can come for a day or several days to know more about CPAWS-OV activities and visit several amazing places.

We will organize excursions to various places for nature enthusiasts, including canoe trips, birdwatching and nature exploration excursions as well as mushroom identification tours. This place is very rich in both the variety of mushroom species and their abundance. If you are interested in the trip and would like to join, please communicate with us in advance.

Place and Subject of the Excursion:

The ZEC Dumoine is a controlled harvesting zone (Zone d’exploitation controlee – ZEC). It is located in the administrative region of the Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Quebec, Canada. You have the opportunity to come for a week or just for one or two nights as preferred.  We’ll have a number of various excursions including trips to Grand Chute – a picturesque waterfall with exciting rapids, we’ll visit also a place near Robertson Lake, Stevens Pond, and other interesting areas that to see the scenic landscapes and pristine nature.

After arrival to Swisha, you need to register at ZEC Dumoine Visitor Center for ZEC Rapides-des-Joachims Registration fees are 12$ per car. If you want to do the hike at Grande Chute, you will have to pay a second $12.00 car fee for that ZEC, but we can take you up there in the truck on Saturday or Sunday, so perhaps just have one of the cars capable of driving that road (to Robinson Lake) register at both ZECs.

There is an opportunity for carpooling from Ottawa on August 3 (evening) or 4 -morning (2 places).

Dress:

Watch for the weather forecast and be prepared accordingly. For the trip you will need a sleeping bag and a tent, as well as warm clothes, and a pair of changeable shoes – shoes should be good for hiking on the trails. In addition, you need to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. If you are planning to join the canoe trip, it is advisable to bring your own life jacket. We have a few vests there, but not enough. We also need to know the number of people who will join in order to organize food, hiking, and leisure activities. It will be good to have swimming suites. You need also to have headlamps for the evening.

Eagle Nest and Late fall mushrooms (Calabogie area)

This is the last fall trip to see the scenic landscape and identify late fall mushrooms, sustaining in the cold weather with frosty nights in Calabogie area (to the west of Ottawa). We’ll meet at 9:30 am on Sunday, October 16,  at the Parking Lot near Eagle’s Nest Lookout, on Calabogie Road.  First, we plan to see the beautiful landscapes from the Eagle’s Nest lookout and walk in the forest surrounding this area. Then, we’ll explore the area in Calabogie to find and identify late fall mushrooms.

How to dress?

Please, watch the weather forecast to be prepared for a trip. This time you will need gloves, warm jackets, and good shoes that are most comfortable for a trip on the forest paths.

What else might be needed?

It is better to have a light backpack to put on your clothes if it will become warm during our trip. You need to take also water and light snacks.

Это наша последняя осенняя поездка в район Калабоги (к западу от Оттавы), чтобы не только посмотреть изумительные осенние краски с утесов Eagle’s Nest, но и поискать поздние осенние грибы, которые появились в октябре и выдерживают холодные морозные ночи.  Мы встретимся в воскресенье, 16 октября, в 9:30 на парковке, от которой идет дорожка к утесам Eagle’s Nest, расположенной на Calabogie Road (это – большая парковка). Сначала мы планируем пройти до утесов, чтобы посмотреть на осенний пейзаж с высоты и прогуляться по окружающему это место лесу. Затем мы посетим несколько грибных мест в Калабоги, чтобы поискать и определить осенние виды грибов. Мы ожидаем найти в это время несколько видов опят, груздей, маслят, а также рядовки, ежевики, вешенку и другие интересные грибы. У меня будет место для двух человек в машине, если кто-то хочет присоединиться, то пишите в личку.

Как одеваться?

Пожалуйста, следите за прогнозом погоды, чтобы нормально подготовиться к поездке. В это время вам уже могут понадобиться  перчатки, теплые куртки и хорошая обувь, максимально удобная для походов по лесным тропинкам.

Что еще может понадобиться?

Лучше иметь легкий рюкзак, чтобы положить в него одежду, если станет тепло. Также необходимо взять с собой воду и легкие закуски. Для сбора грибов надо иметь при себе ножички и небольшие корзиночки.

 

Fall Mushroom Identification Tour (in English)

This is a guided tour for those who are interested to know more about fall mushrooms and nature in Ottawa Valley. We plan to go to the Mayo area, Quebec. We’ll visit the area, which is known as good for mushroom harvest, including many various species. At this time, we expect to find a diversity of Oyster Mushrooms, some boletes, perhaps, some honey mushrooms, some milk caps, and russula species.  We’ll meet at 9:00 on Sunday, September 25, near St. Malachy Catholic Church, Mayou, QC, and then follow together to the place of our excursion in the private area owned by John MacDonnell, where John kindly invited us to explore mushrooms that can be found along the trails on his property. The end of September is a time when still there are many edible mushrooms and also this is a time of beautiful fall colors. First, we’ll walk to several corners of the property exploring edible and poisonous mushrooms and talking about nature surprises. And later we’ll explore also trails in the property where you can observe from the top of Lac Blanche and even see the Mont-Tremblant.

We’ll find out how to differentiate edible mushrooms from other similar species, some of which can be poisonous. We’ll look also if there are some edible plants in the forest. We’ll explore the environment by observing species by sign and by specific vocalization. We’ll see also how different animal species, prepare for the long winter.

How to dress?

Please, be prepared for the day of late September; so take care of clothes and shoes that are most comfortable for moving on narrow paths, through ravines and inconveniences.

What else might be needed?

You will need water and a light snack. Do not forget small baskets and knives for picking mushrooms. Take personal protection against insects and sunscreen.

Honey Mushroom time (mushroom identification)

This is a guided hike to learn more about fall mushrooms. We’ll find out how to differentiate edible honey mushrooms from several other similar species, some of which can be poisonous. We’ll also know about mushrooms associated with mycorrhiza of honey mushrooms such as Aborted Entoloma or shrimps of the woods.

Honey Mushrooms (Armillaria sp.) were just recently categorized as one species, but now this species is divided into approximately ten different. We’ll look for Armillaria mellea known as Joney Fungus and widely distributed in forests around Ottawa. This mushroom usually appears in early or mid-September and can be found until late October.  These mushrooms are parasites and often colonize the base of trees or stumps. Honey mushrooms can be bioluminescent and may cause a white glow of stumps at night. Honey mushrooms are regarded in many areas as one of the best wild mushrooms.

There are several mushrooms that are similar in appearance but need to be distinguished as they can be deadly poisonous. So, we’ll learn how to distinguish the Deadly Galerina (Galerina autumnalis) and Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare). Besides, we’ll look for Aborted Entoloma or Shrimps of the Woods (Entoloma abortivum), which are also observed in the habitats where honey mushrooms can be found. These are also edible delicious mushrooms, which we’ll learn how to identify.

This is a trip for mushroom lovers. We will meet in Ottawa at the parking lot near Fletcher Garden at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 24, and drive to the areas where we can find Honey Mushrooms and other listed species. We expect to find not only the listed above species but many others as well. This fall is relatively wet and we hope to find many fruiting species, which we’ll be able to identify in the field. We will learn to distinguish edible mushrooms from non-edible mushrooms, we will get acquainted with several fairly common poisonous mushrooms. We will find out how to distinguish between different groups of fungi: bracket fungi, coral fungi, boletes, agaric mushrooms, morels, hedgehogs, chanterelles, and their relatives. Carpooling is welcome. If you are thinking to share the driving with someone, please contact us in advance so that we can arrange a convenient meeting point for you. Please, leave a message below, if you plan to join us and we’ll share communication contact with more details.

Это экскурсия для любителей грибов. Мы встретимся в 9:00 в субботу, 24 сентября, утра на парковке около Fletcher Garden в Оттаве. А далее, мы поедем в места, где надеемся найти опята и другие осенние грибы. Мы будем учиться различать съедобные грибы от несъедобных, мы познакомиться с несколькими довольно распространенными ядовитыми видами грибов. Мы узнаем, какие виды считаются условно-съедобными. А также мы будем учиться различать разные группы грибов: трутовики, коралловые грибы, трубчатые и пластинчатые грибы, сморчи и строчки, ежовики, лисички и их родственники. Карпулинг приветствуется. Если Вы думаете присоединиться к кому-то в поездке, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нами заранее, чтобы мы могли договориться об удобном для Вас месте встречи.

Как одеваться?

В лесу сейчас влажно и прохладно, поэтому позаботьтесь об одежде и обуви, которые наиболее комфортны для перемещения по оврагам и неудобьям.

Что еще может понадобиться?

Вам понадобится вода, легкий перекус, так как на свежем воздухе обычно появляется аппетит. Не забывайте небольшие корзиночки и ножички для сбора грибов. А также средства персональной защиты от насекомых и крем от солнца.

Morning Fogs and Sunset at ZEC Dumoine

We invite you to explore nature in early fall at the Dumoine River, the last wild river in Ottawa Valley. Early October is the time when it is still warm and sunny during the day; however, it is already cold at night, and in the morning a milky impenetrable fog covers all the surroundings. This is still a time of late songbird migration and other forest dwellers preparing for the long winter. This is also a period when moisture and morning fogs wake up the mycelium that has been sleeping all summer and many types of mushrooms appear on the surface, surprising forest visitors with various shapes, colors, and abundance.

We are organizing a trip for naturalists, photographers, and nature lovers to explore the magic of first fall colors, silent mornings, and a farewell variety of wildlife. We plan to organize guided hikes near the cabin, located close to the Lac Penniseault for mushroom lovers. It should be many mushroom varieties in this area in fall. We will visit the Grande Chute trail to Robinson Lake. We will have also a canoe trip on Robinson Lake to the Red Pine waterfall. We will stay in the morning on the shelter platform near Steven’s Pond expecting to see moose and other animals. We will have a campfire and we hope to have good company near the cabin in the evening. We have two canoes in the area, which we can share to explore the environment. We also provide simple food and utensils. If you plan to cook some specific things, you can bring them also.

We will have two options to come to the camping site: one by Friday evening (before 5:00 pm) to register at ZEC Dumoine and stay in the area for two nights, and another by early morning Saturday, October 08, to stay in the area for one night. Carpooling is welcomed. If you are interested in traveling to Dumoine with us, please, contact us, regarding preferred options and the time of your arrival so that we could meet you near the ZEC Dumoine office. The address for contact is eakreuzberg@gmail.com

How to dress?

It is damp and cool in the forest now, so take care of clothes and shoes that are most comfortable for moving through ravines and inconveniences. Please, take your tents, sleeping bags, and matrasses in according to the weather forecast.

What else might be needed?

You will need lights for the evening, personal items, and light snacks for hikes. Do not forget small baskets and knives for picking mushrooms, as well as personal protection against insects. We have three safety vests in the area, but it is better to take your own safety vest if you plan to use a canoe. Please, let us know also if you have any food preferences.

Guided Tour for Mushroom Identification

This is a trip for mushroom lovers. We will meet in Ottawa near Dow’s Lake at 8:30 am on Sunday, August 21, and drive through several places at the crown land in Quebec to explore suitable areas for mushroom harvesting. During our guided hike, we’ll learn about various kinds of mushrooms and fungi. And then, we will go to the Constance Bay area, where we will stop at several places where mushroom picking is allowed. Quite a few species of mushrooms have already appeared in these weeks. We hope that with relatively wet weather and relatively low temperatures, their abundance will increase significantly in the coming weeks. We will learn to distinguish edible mushrooms from non-edible mushrooms, we will get acquainted with several fairly common poisonous mushrooms. We will find out which species are considered conditionally edible. And also we will learn to distinguish between different groups of fungi: bracket fungi, coral fungi, boletes, agaric mushrooms, morels, hedgehogs, chanterelles and their relatives. Carpooling is welcome. We have space for 8 people in two cars. If you are thinking of driving one of these vehicles, please contact us in advance so that we can arrange a convenient meeting point for you.

Это экскурсия для любителей грибов. Мы встретимся в 8:30 в воскресенье, 21 августа, утра около озера Dow в Оттаве А далее, мы поедем на квебекскую сторону, где остановимся в нескольких местах, где сбор грибов разрешен. В эти недели уже появилось довольно много видов грибов. Мы надеемся, что при относительно влажной погоде и сравнительно невысокой температуре, их обилие значительно увеличится в следующие недели. Мы будем учиться различать съедобные грибы от несъедобных, мы познакомиться с несколькими довольно распространенными ядовитыми видами грибов. Мы узнаем, какие виды считаются условно-съедобными. А также мы будем учиться различать разные группы грибов: трутовики, коралловые грибы, трубчатые и пластинчатые грибы, сморчи и строчки, ежовики, лисички и их родственники. Карпулинг приветствуется. У нас есть места для 8 человек в двух машинах. Если Вы думаете, поехать на одном из этих автомобилей, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нами заранее, чтобы мы могли договориться об удобном для Вас месте встречи.

Как одеваться?

В лесу сейчас влажно и прохладно, поэтому позаботьтесь об одежде и обуви, которые наиболее комфортны сейчас в лесу для перемещения по оврагам и неудобьям.

Что еще может понадобиться?

Вам понадобится вода, легкий перекус, так как на свежем воздухе обычно появляется аппетит. Не забывайте небольшие корзиночки и ножички для сбора грибов. А также средства персональной защиты от насекомых и крем от солнца.

Mushroom Identification Tour to Gatineau Area

This is travel for those who are interested to know more about mushrooms in Ottawa Valley. We’ll visit the area, which is known as good for mushroom harvest, especially for chanterelles. We’ll meet at 9:00 near St. Malachy Catholic Church, Mayou, QC, and then follow together to the place of our excursion in the private area, where its owner kindly invited us to explore mushrooms that can be found along the trails on his property. The middle of July is a time when the first edible mushrooms appear in forests around  We hope to see several species of chanterelles and we’ll try to learn how to identify edible and poisonous species of mushrooms.
Это экскурсия для любителей грибов. Мы поедем в район Майо в Квебеке, где встретимся у католической церкви на повороте и дальше продолжим поездку вместе на частную территорию, хозяин которой любезно предоставил возможность посещения его леса вдоль тропинок, чтобы исследовать, какие грибы могут быть найдены здесь в это время. Участок, который мы посетим, известен хорошими условиями для обитания многих видов грибов. В это время мы надеемся увидеть там несколько видов лисичек, а также, возможно, и другие виды. Будем надеяться, что после дождей на этой неделе грибов там будет много. Карпулинг приветствуется. У меня будет место для 3 человек в моем автомобиле.

Как одеваться?

Всю эту неделю будут идти дожди, поэтому в субботу, вероятнее всего, будет довольно влажно. Поэтому позаботьтесь об одежде и обуви, которые наиболее комфортны в условиях влажного леса и возможных ручейков и болотистых мест вдоль тропинок.

Что еще может понадобиться?

Вам понадобится вода, легкий перекус, так как на свежем воздухе обычно появляется аппетит. Не забывайте небольшие корзиночки и ножички для сбора грибов. А также средства персональной защиты от насекомых и крем от солнца.