A wonderful example of economic stimulus made possible by the “Northwood’s Newest Gem” – the Pelican River Forest – was experienced July 18th through 21st in the counties of Oneida, Langlade and Forest.
Eighty mycologists from all over Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota turned out for a four-day mushroom foray in the spectacular Pelican River Forest (PRF) and surrounding forestlands of the region. Participants had a multitude of prime forestland locations to explore for all forms of fungi. Foray locations included Jack Lake in Langlade County, and the Otter Springs Recreation Area in Forest County. Foray locations in the PRF, ranged from east to west and north to south in the vast expanse of the PRF conservation easement forestland. In all, over 270 different species of fungi were identified.
After each day’s exploration field trips, samples of unique mushrooms were brought back to the main meeting place in Hiles, WI (Forest County). The fungi were arranged on tables separated into groups by locations from where they were found. Identification experts from the Wisconsin Mycological Society (WMS) then confirmed the species of each specimen. This was the first organized event in the brand new 67,000-acre plus Pelican River Forest (PRF).
The scientific data obtained by identifying the fungi that exists in the region was organized and cataloged into a database that is sent to the Field Museum in Chicago for permanent record. This data serves researchers and others interested in professionally recorded fungi identification. This is top-level local scientific research that serves the broader scientific community on a worldwide basis.
Aside from all the benefits the PRF provides for Wisconsin’s Timber Industry, and public recreation activities such as ATV-ing, hunting, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing, the scientific-based activity of discovering what species of mushrooms exist in the region is an incredible bonus benefit of the PRF conservation project.
The level of professionalism exhibited by the members of WMS is something to behold. It usually takes them just seconds to identify the multitude of species the participants discover hiding on the forest floor on and under logs and plant life.
Forayers filled local hotel rooms and campgrounds, ate in local restaurants and taverns, and purchased all forms of supplies. An estimate of contributions to the local economy surpasses $50,000-dollars. All made possible in part by the successful completion of the PRF conservation project.After the expert mycologists confirmed the edibility of the best tasting mushrooms, those fungi made their way into a potluck dinner on Friday night, and a mushroom cooking seminar on Saturday by Chef Nicole Hollander.
Chef Nicole and Team made Lion’s Mane Loaded Nachos, Oyster Mushroom Gyros, Glazed Honey Garlic Roasted Chicken with Sautéed Mushrooms in Ramp Butter, with Rosemary Infused Mashed Potatoes, and Peking Mushroom Pancakes. Diners also enjoyed Mushroom & Herb Sweet Tea, Chaga Tea, and Cinnamon Mushroom & Herb Tea. This was culinary indulgence!
There were workshops and presentations on mushroom-based art making, impacts to our local ecosystem and foraging sites, and “really getting to know your mushrooms!” The weather was perfect for mushroom hunting and the newly opened up Pelican River Forest provided the ideal location for this fungi foray. By the end of the event, everyone had met one another, shared stories about just about every topic, and left as friends that looked forward to meeting again.
This was a truly magical event organized by professional scientific people who have a strong commitment to learn more about the natural world that surrounds us all. The success of this Wisconsin Mycological Society foray was made possible by the accomplishment of the Pelican River Forest conservation project.
The first organized event in the PRF is just the beginning of the benefits the Pelican River Forest brings to the residents of Wisconsin and beyond.
More about the Wisconsin Mycological Society can be found here: https://www.wisconsinmycologicalsociety.org/
