Camden library to host hybrid talk on mushrooms March 11

Camden Public Library is scheduled to feature a presentation from Greg Marley and the Maine Mycological Association at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11.

The talk will be held via Zoom and in person in the Picker Room at the 55 Main St. library. Marley will discuss foraging for wild edible mushrooms in Maine, particularly mushrooms called Boletes.

Camden Public Library is scheduled to feature a presentation from Greg Marley and the Maine Mycological Association at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11. Shown are shaggy Russell’s Boletes. Greg Marley photo

Boletes include several hundred different mushrooms in more than 40 genera in New England. And recent updates in genetic taxonomy seem to be adding to the confusion rather than simplifying things for the forager, according to a news release from Julia Sagaser, library programs director.

A number of easily identified Boletes are common in Maine’s forests, and they present an opportunity for the forager ready to embrace the Boletes as food. This 90-minute talk will review the major genera of Boletes and focus on a number of edibles as well as a handful of mushrooms consistently involved in mild to moderate cases of poisoning. Suggestions for resources will be offered.

Marley has been collecting, studying, eating, growing and teaching about mushrooms for more than 45 years. He spreads his knowledge of mushrooms through walks, talks and classes held across New England and beyond.

He is the author of the award-winning 2010 book “Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares; The Love Lore and Mystic of Mushrooms.” As a volunteer mushroom identification consultant to poison centers across New England, he provides expertise in mushroom poisoning cases. He is a frequent lecturer to college groups and a mushrooming foray faculty member.

For more information and to find the Zoom registration link to attend virtually, visit the What’s Happening adult events calendar at librarycamden.org.