CAMDEN — Camden Public Library will feature a presentation from Greg Marley and the Maine Mycological Association on Saturday, March 11, at 1 p.m. Marley will discuss foraging for wild edible mushrooms in Maine, particularly those mushrooms we call ‘Boletes.’

This is a hybrid event and will take place in person in the Picker Room at Camden Public Library as well as on Zoom. To find the Zoom registration link to attend virtually, visit the “What’s Happening” adult events calendar at librarycamden.org, or at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k0qIpR6ZQM-9euFbVI1Kzg

“The fleshy pored mushrooms we collectively call Boletes include several hundred different mushrooms in more than 40 genera in New England,” said CPL, in a news release. “ And recent updates in genetic taxonomy seem to be adding to the confusion rather than simplifying things for the forager.”

There are a number of easily-identified Boletes that are common in Maine forests, and they present a great opportunity for the forager ready to embrace the Boletes as food.

This 90-minute talk will review the major genera of Boletes and focus on a number of great edibles as well as a handful of mushrooms consistently involved in mild to moderate cases of poisoning.  Suggestions for resources will be offered.

Greg Marley has been collecting, studying, eating, growing, and teaching about mushrooms for over 45 years.  He spreads his knowledge of mushrooms through walks, talks, and classes held across New England and beyond. 

Marley is the author of the award-winning book Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares; The Love Lore and Mystic of Mushrooms, (Chelsea Green, 2010).  As a volunteer mushroom identification consultant to Poison Centers across New England, he provides expertise in mushroom poisoning cases.  He is a frequent lecturer to college groups and a mushrooming foray faculty member.  When not mushrooming, Marley works as a mental health clinician specializing in suicide prevention and traumatic grief.