Mushroom Mountain Events

June 13, 2026

  • Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification Course (SC, NC, GA, VA, AL, PA, NY, RI) – 5-Year State-Approved Permit Training

    June 13, 2026 - June 14, 2026  
    Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties: Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NY-23, Acra, NY 12405, USA

    Earn your 5-year Wild Mushroom Foraging Permit, meeting the requirements set by state health departments and formally approved for the legal foraging and sale of wild mushrooms in the following states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Rhode Island.

    https://shop.mushroommountain.com/products/wild-mushroom-foraging-certification-course-sc-nc-ga-va-al-pa-ny-ri-5-year-state-approved-permit-training-jun-20-21-2026

    Registered participants will receive emailed study guides and slide materials approximately one month prior to the class. All examinations will be administered onsite.

    Class size is limited to 40 participants. Due to the regulatory nature of this certification, no refunds are available. In the event of an emergency, we may be able to transfer your registration to a future session.

    Location

    Agroforestry Resource Center
    6055 NY-23
    Acra, NY 12405

    Operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Agroforestry Resource Center is a regional hub for education, demonstration, and research focused on the benefits of woodlands to people, waterways, wildlife, and long-term land stewardship. Programs at the Center emphasize the ecological, economic, and human health value of forested landscapes, making it an ideal setting for this certification course.

    Please respect the space:

    • Students should remain in conference, restroom, and kitchen areas only
    • No smoking is permitted anywhere on the property
    • COVID safety protocols will be evaluated as conditions evolve; any requirements will be communicated prior to the class
    • Participants may arrive no more than 15 minutes before class to allow instructors adequate setup time

    Dates & Hours

    June 20–21, 2026
    Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST)

    Suggested Accommodations

    Instructor

    Christine Gagnon

    Christine Gagnon was first introduced to edible wild mushrooms as a child in Quebec, but her focused study of mushroom identification began in 2018—when she immersed herself fully in learning fungal taxonomy, ecology, and safe identification practices.

    Christine holds a degree in Art Education from the Massachusetts College of Art and now applies her teaching background to mushroom education. She is the founder of the Uncanoonuc Foraging Company, where she leads group and private foraging walks across multiple states, introducing participants to the world of culinary mushrooms. She is also a co-founder of NH Myco Weekend, a regional gathering for mushroom enthusiasts and educators.

    Her philosophy centers on humility, curiosity, and community: no matter how much one knows, there is always more to learn—and always others who can teach us something new.

    Christine lives in New Hampshire with her husband Paul, a potter, and their two dogs. She is also the mother of three adult children and is enjoying life as an empty nester. Her work has been featured on NH Chronicle, NHPR, NPR’s Here and Now, Diary of a Nation Podcast, and The Hippo.

    Additional Regulatory Information

    This permit may be recognized in additional states that have adopted Code 13 policies. States interested in accepting this certification must contact Mushroom Mountain for review and approval by their food safety authority.

    Approved Species & Legal Requirements

    Under state law, all wild-foraged mushrooms offered for sale must be individually inspected and verified as safe by an approved mushroom identification expert who:

    (A) Has demonstrated the required knowledge and passed the examination, and
    (B) Harvests only species approved by the state (always verify your state’s current approved list).

    Approved species covered in this course include:

    • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp., excluding C. persicinus)
    • Blue Chanterelle (Polyozellus multiplex)
    • Morels (Morchella spp.)
    • Black Trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
    • Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
    • Wood Ears (Auricularia spp.)
    • Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus spp., excluding L. persicinus)
    • Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
    • Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum, H. albomagnum)
    • Lion’s Mane / Pom Pom / Bear’s Head (Hericium spp.)
    • Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus spp., excluding P. levis, P. dryinus)
    • Cauliflower Mushroom (Sparassis spp.)
    • Maitake / Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa)
    • Blewit (Lepista nuda)
    • Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea, A. tabescens)
    • Blue Milky (Lactarius indigo)
    • Golden & Burgundy Milkies (Lactarius corrugis, L. volemus, L. hygrophoroides)
    • Pecan Truffle (Tuber spp.)
    • Puffballs (Lycoperdon spp., Calvatia spp.)
    • King Bolete / Porcini (Boletus edulis, B. chippewaensis)
    • Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
    • Reishi (Ganoderma curtisii, G. tsugae, G. sessile)
    • Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
    • Matsutake (Tricholoma magnivelare)
    • Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus)
    • Candy Cap (Lactarius rubidus, L. fragilis, L. camphoratus)
    • Saffron Milky (Lactarius deliciosus)
    • Hawk’s Wing (Sarcodon imbricatus)
    • Enoki (Flammulina velutipes)
    • Shrimp Russula (Russula xerampelina)
    • Umbrella Polypore (Cladomeris umbellata)
    • Green Quilted Russula (Russula virescens, R. parvovirescens, R. crustosa)

    See more details

June 14, 2026

  • Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification Course (SC, NC, GA, VA, AL, PA, NY, RI) – 5-Year State-Approved Permit Training

    June 13, 2026 - June 14, 2026  
    Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties: Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NY-23, Acra, NY 12405, USA

    Earn your 5-year Wild Mushroom Foraging Permit, meeting the requirements set by state health departments and formally approved for the legal foraging and sale of wild mushrooms in the following states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Rhode Island.

    https://shop.mushroommountain.com/products/wild-mushroom-foraging-certification-course-sc-nc-ga-va-al-pa-ny-ri-5-year-state-approved-permit-training-jun-20-21-2026

    Registered participants will receive emailed study guides and slide materials approximately one month prior to the class. All examinations will be administered onsite.

    Class size is limited to 40 participants. Due to the regulatory nature of this certification, no refunds are available. In the event of an emergency, we may be able to transfer your registration to a future session.

    Location

    Agroforestry Resource Center
    6055 NY-23
    Acra, NY 12405

    Operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Agroforestry Resource Center is a regional hub for education, demonstration, and research focused on the benefits of woodlands to people, waterways, wildlife, and long-term land stewardship. Programs at the Center emphasize the ecological, economic, and human health value of forested landscapes, making it an ideal setting for this certification course.

    Please respect the space:

    • Students should remain in conference, restroom, and kitchen areas only
    • No smoking is permitted anywhere on the property
    • COVID safety protocols will be evaluated as conditions evolve; any requirements will be communicated prior to the class
    • Participants may arrive no more than 15 minutes before class to allow instructors adequate setup time

    Dates & Hours

    June 20–21, 2026
    Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST)

    Suggested Accommodations

    Instructor

    Christine Gagnon

    Christine Gagnon was first introduced to edible wild mushrooms as a child in Quebec, but her focused study of mushroom identification began in 2018—when she immersed herself fully in learning fungal taxonomy, ecology, and safe identification practices.

    Christine holds a degree in Art Education from the Massachusetts College of Art and now applies her teaching background to mushroom education. She is the founder of the Uncanoonuc Foraging Company, where she leads group and private foraging walks across multiple states, introducing participants to the world of culinary mushrooms. She is also a co-founder of NH Myco Weekend, a regional gathering for mushroom enthusiasts and educators.

    Her philosophy centers on humility, curiosity, and community: no matter how much one knows, there is always more to learn—and always others who can teach us something new.

    Christine lives in New Hampshire with her husband Paul, a potter, and their two dogs. She is also the mother of three adult children and is enjoying life as an empty nester. Her work has been featured on NH Chronicle, NHPR, NPR’s Here and Now, Diary of a Nation Podcast, and The Hippo.

    Additional Regulatory Information

    This permit may be recognized in additional states that have adopted Code 13 policies. States interested in accepting this certification must contact Mushroom Mountain for review and approval by their food safety authority.

    Approved Species & Legal Requirements

    Under state law, all wild-foraged mushrooms offered for sale must be individually inspected and verified as safe by an approved mushroom identification expert who:

    (A) Has demonstrated the required knowledge and passed the examination, and
    (B) Harvests only species approved by the state (always verify your state’s current approved list).

    Approved species covered in this course include:

    • Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp., excluding C. persicinus)
    • Blue Chanterelle (Polyozellus multiplex)
    • Morels (Morchella spp.)
    • Black Trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
    • Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
    • Wood Ears (Auricularia spp.)
    • Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus spp., excluding L. persicinus)
    • Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
    • Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum, H. albomagnum)
    • Lion’s Mane / Pom Pom / Bear’s Head (Hericium spp.)
    • Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus spp., excluding P. levis, P. dryinus)
    • Cauliflower Mushroom (Sparassis spp.)
    • Maitake / Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa)
    • Blewit (Lepista nuda)
    • Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea, A. tabescens)
    • Blue Milky (Lactarius indigo)
    • Golden & Burgundy Milkies (Lactarius corrugis, L. volemus, L. hygrophoroides)
    • Pecan Truffle (Tuber spp.)
    • Puffballs (Lycoperdon spp., Calvatia spp.)
    • King Bolete / Porcini (Boletus edulis, B. chippewaensis)
    • Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
    • Reishi (Ganoderma curtisii, G. tsugae, G. sessile)
    • Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
    • Matsutake (Tricholoma magnivelare)
    • Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus)
    • Candy Cap (Lactarius rubidus, L. fragilis, L. camphoratus)
    • Saffron Milky (Lactarius deliciosus)
    • Hawk’s Wing (Sarcodon imbricatus)
    • Enoki (Flammulina velutipes)
    • Shrimp Russula (Russula xerampelina)
    • Umbrella Polypore (Cladomeris umbellata)
    • Green Quilted Russula (Russula virescens, R. parvovirescens, R. crustosa)

    See more details

June 18, 2026
July 7, 2026
July 11, 2026

  • Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification Course (NH, VT) – 5-Year State-Approved Permit Training

    July 11, 2026 - July 12, 2026  
    Doris L Benz Sandwich Community Center, 18 Heard Rd, Center Sandwich, NH 03227, USA

    New Hampshire law requires anyone who wishes to sell wild-foraged mushrooms to obtain a license through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Food Protection Section.
    To apply for this license, individuals must first successfully complete an approved course in safe wild mushroom identification and harvesting practices.

    https://shop.mushroommountain.com/products/wild-mushroom-foraging-certification-course-nh-vt-5-year-state-approved-permit-training-july-11-12-2026

    This 5-year Wild Mushroom Foraging Permit meets all criteria required by the State of New Hampshire DHHS. Registered participants will receive a study guide and slide deck approximately one month prior to the course to allow ample preparation time.

    Class size is limited to 30 participants. Refunds are only available to registrants who have not yet received study materials. In the event of an emergency, we may be able to transfer your registration to a future class.

    Time & Location

    Doris L Benz Sandwich Community Center
    18 Heard Rd.
    Center Sandwich, NH 03227

    Dates: July 11–12, 2026
    Time: Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    For nearby accommodations, click here.

    Instructor

    Chris Neefus, PhD

    This course is taught by Dr. Chris Neefus, Professor of Biology at the University of New Hampshire, where he teaches multiple courses including a full-semester field and laboratory course on New England mushrooms. His academic focus includes mushroom ecology, taxonomy, identification, cultivation, and culinary uses.

    Dr. Neefus is a long-standing member of the Boston Mycological Club, where he has led numerous mushroom forays and has served on both the Identification and Executive Committees. Recently relocated to Sandwich, New Hampshire, he is an avid forager and cultivates a variety of mushrooms, including shiitake, oyster, lion’s mane, and nameko.

    Course Schedule

    Day 1 – Classroom & Specimen Study

    9:00 AM – Arrival & Registration

    9:15 AM –
    Permit Overview & Guidelines
    Exam Structure & Expectations
    Proper Handling, Storage & Packaging
    Food Safety Regulations
    Ethical Foraging & Forest Stewardship
    Harvesting for Resale
    New Hampshire Regulations
    Deadly & Poisonous Species, Toxins & Treatments

    10:30 AM – Break

    10:45 AM – Gallery of Tier 1 Species & Lookalikes

    12:00 PM – Lunch Break (bring your own) & ID Photography

    1:00 PM –
    Distinguishing species in:

    • Porcini (Boletus edulis) group
    • Hedgehog (Hydnum) group
    • Golden Milky (Lactifluus) group

    2:30–3:30 PM – Dissections & Specimen Discussions (Fresh & Dried)

    3:30–5:00 PM – Exam Review Session

    Day 2 – Field Identification & Final Exam

    9:00–11:30 AM – Field Trip: Fresh Specimen Identification

    11:30 AM–1:00 PM – Lunch Break & Independent Exam Review (looping slides available)

    1:00–5:00 PM – Final Exam

    Approved Species List – Tier 1 (New Hampshire)

    Per state regulations, all wild-foraged mushrooms offered for sale must be individually inspected and verified as safe by a licensed mushroom identification expert who:

    (A) Has met the education requirements and passed the exam, and
    (B) Harvests only from the approved Tier 1 species list below:

    • Morels (Morchella americana, M. angusticeps, M. puntipes)
    • Chanterelles (Cantharellus cinnabarinus, C. cibarius group, C. flavus, C. lateritius, C. minor)
    • Black Trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
    • Lion’s Mane / Pom Pom / Bear’s Head (Hericium erinaceus, H. americanum, H. coralloides)
    • Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus, P. populinus, P. pulmonarius)
    • King Bolete / Porcini (Boletus edulis, B. atkinsonii, B. chippewaensis, B. nobilis, B. separans, B. subcaerulescens, B. variipes)
    • Matsutake (Tricholoma magnivelare)
    • Maitake / Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa)
    • Wine Cap / King Stropharia / Garden Giant (Stropharia rugosoannulata)
    • Cauliflower Mushroom (Sparassis americana, S. spathulata)
    • Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
    • Green Quilted Russula (Russula parvovirescens, R. crustosa)
    • Jelly Ear / Wood Ear (Auricularia americana)
    • Blewit (Lepista nuda)
    • Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus)
    • Trumpet Chanterelles (Craterellus ignicolor, C. tubaeformis, C. caeruleofuscus, C. faetidus)
    • Beefsteak Polypore (Fistulina hepatica)
    • Hedgehog Mushrooms (Hydnum subgenera Hydnum, Rufescentia, and Alba)
    • Corrugated Milky (Lactifluus corrugis)
    • Orange Milky (Lactifluus hygrophoroides)
    • Tawny / Voluminous Milky (Lactifluus volemus)

    After Certification

    Upon successful completion of this course, permit holders must submit a Wild Harvested Mushroom Application to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services in order to legally sell mushrooms to consumers or retail food establishments.
    Permit holders may sell only species listed in Tier 1.

    For the Wild Harvested Mushroom Harvester Application, click here.

    See more details