Learn the fundamentals of mushroom identification. We will discuss and learn to recognize key characteristics and features. We will begin to use our field guides, resources and tools to identify common edibles. We will learn how to identify poisonous species. We will focus on trees and learn what they tell us about our foraging journey.

We will identify mushrooms common to our area and discuss strategies on finding them. All levels of experience are encouraged and welcome as we learn more from each other. As always, we will share a pre-prepared mushroom tea. 

Jesse, the chef behind Conscious Café (formerly Steamy Buddha), has honed his craft for decades across the Northeast and now calls Ellsworth, Maine, home.

About Jesse Steiger:
The Conscious Cafe's goal is simple: to build community and connection through conscious food and living. Jesse named the café to spark conversation around the question, "What is consciousness?" He felt the name helped articulate the underlying value of supporting the local community and other businesses. His menu features local, seasonal produce from area farms in Ellsworth

About Lena Ramsay:
Lena was Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she obtained a degree in Political Science from PPCC and Psychology from the University of Southern Colorado. She supervised a crisis intervention center in Pueblo, Colorado as a (CAC III) certified substance abuse counselor. She went on to serve in the Army, working in a combat zone doing detainment operations in Afghanistan.
For the past four years, she has lived in the woods of Maine, continuing her daily practices while advocating through the Veterans Psychedelic Network, and helping others, especially veterans, find safe, legal access to plant-based medications and alternative therapies. She is part of the Maine Fungi Festival Team.