Learning for Life
Natural science public programs
These programs are designed for teens, adults, and seniors.
Mushroom Foraging with Annabelle Langlois, M.Sc.
A series of hands-on presentations at the Fairbanks Museum with field programs at Matsinger Forest (Danville)
As both a nurse and a biologist, Annabelle Langlois brings a unique perspective to her passionate pursuit of mycology. Holding a master’s degree in ecology, she first discovered her love for wild mushrooms during an old-growth forest inventory in 2012. Since then, she has been eager to share her enthusiasm for mushrooms through leading educational walks and giving lectures on wild mushroom foraging. She currently serves as a volunteer expert for her local club in Quebec, offering introductory activities on mycology throughout the Eastern Townships region. Learn more at https://kingdomfungi.org/.
Annabelle will cover how mushrooms live, as well as how to confidently identify them. An overview of the common wild edible species and their toxic lookalikes will be offered. We will also share important responsible foraging practices. Participants should then know when, where, and how to look for wild mushrooms. These courses, each spanning two 2-hour sessions, empower participants to better understand and predict where and when to find various fungi species based on ecological conditions. With a strong emphasis on fungal ecology and the “why” and “how” behind their processes, the sessions provide an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationships between fungi and their environments.
Participants will have the opportunity to handle and study local mushrooms, reinforcing their understanding of identifying characteristics and ecological niches. Each session will be complemented by an optional foray-style educational walk the following day at the Matsinger Forest in Danville, providing participants with hands-on experience identifying fungi in their natural habitat.
You are welcome to join individual sessions or the entire series. Classes will be held in the Museum classroom.
Cost: $15/member and $25/non-member per session payable directly to the instructor by cash or check
July 18: Introduction to Wild Mushrooms: Ecology, Identification & Foraging Basics
Aug 8: Intermediate Foraging I: Mycorrhizal Species
Aug 29: Intermediate Foraging II: Decomposers
Building An Herbal Apothecary at Home
Monthly Sunday “Make & Take” Workshop Series
with Erin Narey
Join community herbalist Erin Narey for hands-on herbalism workshops, on the first Sundays of April, May, September, October, and November. Learn traditional uses for common wild and household herbs as we identify local wild plants; safe, ethical harvesting techniques; and easy folk formulas to promote wellness. Every workshop will include a demonstration and the opportunity to make at least one herbal tea, tincture, salve, or syrup as you build your very own Herbal Home Apothecary!
All Herbal Apothecary Workshops take place from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Fairbanks Museum.
September 7 & 14: Local Late Season Herbs & Their Traditional Uses
Learn to identify and use a variety of summer/fall herbs in easy homemade formulas including teas, tinctures, honeys, and more.
October 5 & 12: Herbs for Winter Wellness
Get ready for cold/flu season with a variety of herbal formulas crafted from common local and kitchen herbs.
November 2 & 9: Herbs to Promote Rest & Digest
Beat stress this holiday season with herbal formulas renowned for encouraging your nervous system to “rest & digest!”
Vermont Entomological Society Walks in Matsinger Forest
These FREE field programs are open to older children, adults, and seniors. Walking trails in Matsinger Forest include mild inclines and uneven surfaces.
Sept 6, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Did you know that beetles (Order Coleoptera) make up over 20 percent of all described species on Earth? If you are interested in learning more about this incredibly diverse group of insects, this is the workshop for you! Participants will learn (and practice!) a few different methods for finding beetles, an introduction to identification, and how to utilize a few different online resources, such as iNaturalist, to assist with identification. We will discuss the importance of beetles within our ecosystems and learn about a few introduced beetles to be on the lookout for.
Julia Pupko is a Forestry Specialist with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Based out of the Forest Biology Lab in Randolph, Julia’s focus is on forest health and entomology and the management of the state insect collection. Prior to their time with the state, Julia coordinated the Vermont Lady Beetle Atlas at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Additionally, Julia is the Vice President of Sosyete pou Rebwaze Duchity, Haiti , a community-based reforestation and agroforestry organization operating in Duchity, Haiti. In their spare time, Julia enjoys hiking, birdwatching, and (of course) identifying insects they find in the field.
Sept 20, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Join Michael Sabourin from the Vermont Entomological Society to explore the Fairbanks Museum Nature Preserve at Matsinger Forest in Danville. We’ll be looking for insects and other invertebrates.
Email Damon Cawley at dcawley@fairbanksmuseum.org to register.
Prior to attending, consider downloading the iNaturalist app, available for iPhones and Androids.
EarthWalk-Fairbanks
Forest Workshops
For adults, elders, teachers, and teens
Join Ange Gibbons for EarthWalk-Fairbanks workshops, learning together with the land through the seasons. Let’s expand our naturalist knowledge; share outdoor skills; make crafts, grow our community and learn to steward the land.
- All workshops 1:00 – 4:00 PM in Matsinger Forest
- Limited class size
- $40 fee includes materials
- 20% discount for Fairbanks Museum members (enter discount code “Member“)
Matsinger Forest Location: 3072 Thaddeus Stevens Road in Danville, VT (Danville-Peacham town-line). Public parking. Restroom facility open May-Oct.
EarthWalk-Fairbanks Site: a short walk into the forest with a rustic shelter and amenities.
September 13 Root Basket-Weaving
Dig some spruce roots to weave a useful & beautiful basket.
September 27 Cordage-making
Learn to prepare & work with inner fibers of plants & trees to make cordage.
October 11 Spoon-Carving
Create, shape, and whittle—start to finish–a wonderful, simple cedar spoon.
October 25 Wild Cooking & Preserving
Learn to harvest & prepare wild roots to cook, eat and preserve.
November 8 Forest Medicine-Making
Learn about and gather evergreen needles to make your own healing salve, while sipping tree-tea around the fire.