June 13 | Wild Mushroom Basics | Colorado Rockies | Ensō Farm and Forage
June 13 | Wild Mushroom Basics | Colorado Rockies | Ensō Farm and Forage
Join Michael Heim of Ensō Farm and Forage for a morning in the field; part identification class, part treasure hunt, part walk in the woods.
You will gain a firm handle on the foundations of mushroom identification as we locate, study, and if the forest cooperates, find a variety of medicinal and edible fungi growing wild in the Colorado landscape. We will cover mushroom anatomy, habitat and tree associations, how to read the landscape for signs of fungal life, and how to contrast species that could inspire a dinner party with those that could ruin one. Bring your field guides. We will unlock some nature.
Mother Nature is sometimes unpredictable and we cannot guarantee the number or variety of fungi we will find. That uncertainty is the whole point. Every outing is different. Every forest has its own story that day.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
8:30 AM to approximately 12:30 PM
We hold a 15 to 20 minute window for late arrivals but we start the trailhead safety talk at 8:30 sharp. If the group is having a great time and wants to stay in the field? Go ahead, stay.
SEASON NOTE
Mid-June in the Colorado Rockies sits in the thick of the transition from spring to summer. The lower montane zones are fully alive and the mid-elevation forest is waking up fast. Morels may still be lingering in cooler, shaded pockets at higher elevations. Oyster mushrooms on aspen are possible. The season is building and what we find reflects exactly where we are in that shift. One of the more dynamic and unpredictable windows of the year to be in the field.
A note on locations: Ensō selects foray sites based on seasonal conditions, active permits, and where the fungi are actually fruiting. Sites span the Colorado Front Range and Rocky Mountain foothills, from riparian corridors at lower elevations to montane meadows and subalpine forests above, generally within 60 to 90 minutes of both Denver and Boulder. Exact location and driving directions are shared with all registered participants one week before the event. Carpooling is encouraged.
What is included:
4 hours of guided field time with Michael Heim, Certified Wild Mushroom Expert
Mushroom identification across Colorado Front Range and mountain habitats
Tree and fungal associations, habitat ecology, and field safety
1.5 to 2 miles of easy to moderate hiking on varying terrain
Q & A throughout the experience
Flexible itinerary guided by what the land offers that day
Optional Species list and iNaturalist project link after the foray
Come dressed for variable mountain conditions. Wear long pants, sturdy footwear, and layers. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Terrain may include uneven ground and some elevation change. Come prepared for high country weather.
A note on class minimums: if fewer than 5 students are registered, the class may be canceled. Registered students will be notified at least 48 hours in advance and refunded in full.
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
Full refund 14 or more days before the event.
50% refund or full credit 7 to 13 days before the event.
Full credit, no refund 3 to 6 days before the event.
No refund or credit within 72 hours of the event.
Tickets are transferable to another person at any time at no charge. Foray location credits are issued at the value of your original ticket, valid for 12 months, subject to availability, and non-refundable. If the new event is higher in price, the difference is due at booking.
Ensō Farm and Forage reserves the right to reschedule or cancel any class due to unforeseen circumstances including scheduling conflicts, weather, or access limitations. Registered students will be notified as soon as possible and offered a full credit or refund at their preference.
We believe these experiences should be accessible. If pricing is a barrier please reach out directly and we will do our best to find a way.
Contact michael@ensofarmandforage.com to cancel, transfer, or inquire about pricing.
