Discover the un-bolete-able diversity of mushrooms!

Interested in learning about the phenomenal world of fungi?

Fantastic Fungal Friends fosters foundational fungi familiarity: what they are, their role in ecosystems, how they are classified, and how to identify them! Most importantly, you will come away with a new appreciation for fungi and the tools to keep exploring!

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome Message

    2. An Introduction to Fungi and Their Roles in Forest Ecosystems

    1. An Introduction to Types of Fungi

    2. Fungi Flash Cards

    1. The Basics of Identifying Fungi

    2. Outdoor Packing Checklist

    3. Printable Observation Template

    4. Additional Fungi Reference Materials

    5. Fungi Exploration Challenge

    6. Toronto Mycelial Network - Community Art Project

About this course

  • $49.00
  • 10 lessons
  • 1 hour of video content

  • Learn at Your Own Pace

    It takes time to become the crème de la cremini! Fantastic Fungal Friends is a self-paced course to fit your busy schedule.

  • Where to Find Mushrooms

    No need for a morel compass! Mushrooms are everywhere! We'll explore which environments are most likely to host a variety of fungi.

  • Identification Skills

    Get to know your shiitake by learning the fundamentals of fungi classification, forms, and identification tools.

Foraging Disclaimer

Fantastic Fungal Friends is not a foraging course. This course was designed as a foundation to fungi identification and does not cover what fungi are edible nor how to process wild mushrooms.

Instructor

Learn with Kami and the High Park Nature Centre!

Kami Valkova

I've always enjoyed spending time outside, but I was formally introduced to Ecology in high school. I studied Ecology (along with Psychology) at the University of Guelph, and later focused on outdoor education for my Master of Education at Queen's University.

Armed with an enthusiasm for nature and a solid base of knowledge, I began working with the High Park Nature Centre in May 2017. Since then I've had the opportunity to connect with thousands of HPNC visitors of all ages, and further my love and knowledge of the natural world.

My love for fungi in particular began back in high school Biology - I was stunned to learn about their fascinating biodiversity and identifying fungi has been a hobby for me ever since. I am always on the lookout for opportunities to highlight fungi in our programs. I find that getting introduced to a new group of living things is the most challenging step, and look forward to introducing you to the fascinating world of fungi!

In my free time you can find me hiking, reading, painting, playing the ukulele, or posting about my nature experiences on Instagram (@thefungalnaturalist)!

Beat spore-dom by learning about fungi!

Enroll today

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