Members Only - Introduction to Mycology: Community Science Hike! - 2/16

The Land Trust is hosting an Introduction to Mycology: Community Science Hike, for the first time at our new property, weelili onyenmak (in the forested hills of Rio Del Mar), on Sunday, February 16th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.*

Resident fungi enthusiast and San Vicente Redwoods Access Assistant, Aaron Wical, will cover the basics of mushroom identification and apply common techniques through a community science lens. Participants can expect to hike for approximately one mile while observing and identifying various fungi found along the trail.

Come learn about the tools of the trade, regionally specific resources, and how to connect with local mushroom community groups. This event is geared toward beginners, but all levels are welcome!

Not usually open to the public**, weelili onyenmak is a conservation property and all plants, animals, and fungi are protected. Staff and participants may collect mushrooms for identification purposes only. All collected fungi will be returned to their natural habitats.

Hurry—space is very limited!

*Please note that severe weather will cancel.

**Due to the nature of this property, the address and directions will be shared via a reminder email a few days prior to the event.

This is a Members Only event. Become a member by making a donation of any amount to receive special invitations to Member Only events (like this walk!), monthly e-updates about conservation projects, a subscription to our bi-annual newsletter, and more! Click here to donate today.

Unsure of your membership status? Please contact Engagement Manager, Emily Repech at [email protected].

• 10:00 am – Group introductions, expectations, and safety talk
• 10:15 am – Introduction to mycology and identification
• 11:00 am – Fungi hike and identification practice
• 12:30 pm – Group identification at the barn with Q&A

• 1:00 pm – End of event

• Personal water and snacks in a packable bag
• Please wear weather appropriate clothing; at minimum, a long sleeve shirt, pants, and shoes suitable for hiking on wet and uneven terrain. Rain clothing is highly recommended.
• A personal pocketknife, camera (or cell phone), mushroom identification book, and basket or container if available

• Clipboard, pencils, and observation log
• Visual diagrams and local guidebooks for reference.
• First aid supplies

weelili onyenmak is closed to the public. The address and directions will be sent via a reminder email a few days prior to the event.

Located in the forested hills near Rio Del Mar about one-half mile inland from La Selva Beach, the property known as weelili onyenmak has long been on the map for conservation organizations because it is one of the last large land holdings in the northern range of Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (SCLTS) habitat that hasn’t been subdivided. Now, thanks in large part to Land Trust members, it is protected and will be managed in perpetuity for the benefit of the SCLTS and other wildlife, with plans underway for wildlife crossings under Highway 1. Learn more here.

The Land Trust worked with the Amah Mutsun Tribe to name this property in the Mutsun language. In English, weelili onyenmak translates directly to salamander relatives, but it means our relatives, the salamanders. The Mutsun people see the protection of their four-legged, winged, finned, and plant kin as their sacred responsibility.

Please contact Events Manager, Audrelina Mendiola-Arriola at [email protected] or (831) 281-0386.

By attending this event, I hereby grant Land Trust of Santa Cruz County permission to use my likeness in photograph(s) in any publications or publicity materials (including but not limited to books, newsletters, videos and Web use), in perpetuity. Please email [email protected] if you have questions or concerns about photo permissions.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

To be announced, Mar Monte Ave, Watsonville, United States