From the Field

Field Notes

Foraging guides, identification tips, and seasonal advice from the Spore & Scout team.

September 2026

I Found a Strange Mushroom on the Trail — Here's What I Did Next

A curious hiker's first instinct is to wonder: is that edible? Is it dangerous? Here's how to think through a mystery mushroom find — and why visual ID alone is never enough.

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July 2026

Chanterelle Mushroom Identification: A Complete Field Guide

Golden, fragrant, and delicious — chanterelles are a top prize for any forager. Learn exactly what to look for, how to separate them from toxic look-alikes like the jack-o'-lantern mushroom, and how to harvest them well.

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April 2026

The Forager's Handling Guide: From Field to Table

How to properly clean, store, cook, and document foraged mushrooms. Practical guidance for every step — from brushing off debris in the field to safely storing your harvest at home.

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August 2026

The Fall Forager's Guide: What to Find September Through November

Fall is arguably the richest season for wild mushrooms. Here's your month-by-month breakdown of what's fruiting — from golden chanterelles in September to oysters hanging on through November — plus gear tips and safety basics.

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August 2026

Edible Wild Mushrooms in Fall: 6 Species Worth Knowing

Six of the most rewarding edible mushrooms you can find in fall, with field ID notes, habitat clues, seasonal timing, and one key safety note for each species.

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May 2026

How to Identify Morel Mushrooms: A Beginner's Field Guide

Morels are one of the most prized wild mushrooms — but you need to know exactly what you're looking at before you pick. This beginner's guide covers what morels look like, true vs. false morel differences, where to find them, and when to hunt.

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May 2026

The Complete Spring Foraging Calendar for Northeast Foragers

From the first ramps of March through chanterelles in June, the Northeast offers a rich spring harvest. Here's your month-by-month guide to what's fruiting, where to look, and what to watch for.

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May 2026

5 Edible Mushrooms That Have Dangerous Look-Alikes (And How to Tell Them Apart)

Some of the best edible mushrooms have toxic twins. This safety-focused guide walks through five common confusion pairs — with the exact features that separate safe from deadly.

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