We were treated to a perfect fall day on November 4 – sunny and not too cool after some dull and damp weather – perfect indeed for a mushroom hunt! Our group of 30 members and guests led by Dr. Bob Rothwell met at UBC’s Botanical Gardens, dressed appropriately for our fearless foray for fungi! We were greeted by experts Dr. Mary Berbee, Professor of Botany, assisted by Olivia, and Paul Kroeger, past President of the Vancouver Mycological Society, who were our guides for the afternoon.

At each stop, we were treated to a wealth of information and anecdotes with frequent interruptions as members brought new specimens for identification. In total, our foray yielded 31 specimens of fungi, all to be recorded as the starting point of a record of species to be found in the Botanical Gardens. And, of course, we were excited to find a stand of edible Shaggy Parasols and also some boletus, which we harvested with delight!

After our tour, we adjourned to the Herbarium, with its interesting collection of many thousands of reference and research materials, and found time for a glass or two of Cedar Creek Pinot Noir and a mug of delicious wild mushroom soup from les amis du FROMAGE. All in all, it proved to be a very enjoyable, informative and sociable day – and again we thank Bob, Mary, Paul and Olivia for sharing their passion with us!