MICHIGAN BOTANICAL CLUB

SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER FIELD TRIP

Mushrooms, Fungi (Funga) and More

With Korie Blyveis

Fred Russ State Forest

Saturday October 1, 2022, 10 AM to Noon

The 939-acre Fred Russ Forest is utilized for both public recreation and forestry research.  Cass County manages a 12-acre roadside park for recreation.   Michigan State University manages research projects on sustainable forest management, Christmas tree production, and Maple Syrup production.   280 acres of the old growth forest are designated natural areas.  40-acres are “National Nature Area” representing a virtually undisturbed mature oak-hickory forest.  On this trip, we’ll be focusing on Mushrooms, Fungi (Funga) and More.

There may be ticks at this time of year.  Insect repellant, sunscreen, as well as suitable clothing are suggested.  The trip difficulty level is rated moderate.

Korie Blyveis is the Cass County Conservation District SESC Administrator and has led "Hikes w/a Naturalist" for many years at Cass County’s Dr. Lawless Park and Russ Forest.  Her hikes explore whatever species present themselves, allowing the group to share their knowledge (or turn to an app for assistance).   There is always something new and beautiful to discover in Cass County's Parks.   Korie graduated with an Environmental Studies & Communications degree from WMU many moons ago and has always had some aspect of her job related to natural resources.  Korie and her husband Jeff Blyveis are quite knowledgeable about mushrooms so Jeff will be sharing his stories along this field trip.   There are many mushroom specimens at the forest, so hopefully conditions will be right for a good showing.

We will meet at Fred Russ State Forest, 20379 Marcellus Highway, Decatur MI 49045

Directions from the Kalamazoo area.  Take I-94 west to exit 56 and head south on M-51 toward Decatur.  In Decatur, turn left (south) on to S Williams St which becomes County Road 668.  At the Cass County line, the road changes name to Decatur Road.   Turn left (east) on Marcellus Highway.  Proceed abut 0.6 miles to the park.