Mushroom Hunters Rewarded with Chanterelles

photo by Norma Wiesen Wayne Renaud sniffs a mushroom called scaly, woolly or false chanterelle during a June 29 mushroom walk on the Hardwick Trails.

HARDWICK — Joe Nudell led a group of mushroom hunters at an event sponsored by the Hardwick Trails Committee on Saturday, June 29.

Chanterelles, Boletes and Waxycaps were among the more than 20 species of fungi found by the people who joined the walk on the Hardwick Trails, located behind Hazen Union School.

photo by Norma Wiesen Joe Nudell identifies and describes some of the mushrooms found during the walk he led June 29. Over 20 people participated in the Hardwick Trails mushroom walk, finding Chanterelles, Boletes and Waxycaps, among others.

Chanterelles are a rewarding find for mushroom hunters because they are very difficult to cultivate, thus expensive to purchase, according to the website tastingtable.com. “They have the signature fungal earthiness of other mushrooms, but also emit a uniquely buttery apricot-like aroma. The flavor is fruity and mildly peppery, meaning chanterelles require minimal preparation.”

The Hardwick Trails Committee is sponsoring more events throughout the summer: Art on the Trails on July 6, Medicinal Plants on July 13, Foraging on July 27, a Nature Hunt for Kids on August 3 and Geology on the Trails August 10.