Walks With Matt: Late Summer Fungi

Instructor: Matt Schuth, Naturalist, Author and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum expert for more than 40 years. Discover the awakening natural world around you through Matt's wealth of wisdom, trivia and wit. Matt starts each walk with a show-and-tell from his collection of mammals, bird specimens, nests and eggs, for a hands-on experience of nature.

Explore the fascinating world of fungi, where mushrooms blur the line between plant and animal with their unique forms and brilliant colors. The Arboretum is home to over 250 species, and in our interactive “show and tell,” we’ll highlight 30 to 40 of them, from the massive giant puffball to the eerie dead man’s fingers, the artistic artist’s conk, the glowing jack-o-lantern and the infamous, deadly destroying angel.

Afterward, we’ll take a walk to witness ruby-throated hummingbirds feeding on yellow and orange touch-me-nots and scan for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Along the way, we’ll admire late-summer wildflowers like Joe-pye-weed, cardinal flower and zig-zag goldenrod, adding bursts of color to the season’s final bloom. This is nature’s transition at its finest—don’t miss the chance to experience it!

As you walk together, you will: 

• Get ready for fall with a late summer walk at the Arboretum guided by an expert naturalist.
• Explore a large variety of fungal species with hands-on experience and up close viewing.

Weather: As Minnesotans know, Mother Nature can be unpredictable…that is the joy and spontaneity of nature, and of these explorations. Be prepared for the weather and a possible change of subject matter based on what Mother Nature has in store for participants during this session. Walks will run rain or shine, and will not be canceled due to weather unless extreme conditions cause safety concerns.

Bring from home (suggested)

• Binoculars
• Magnifying glass
• Water bottle
• Practical shoes for walking over uneven paths
• Dress for the weather