Macrofungi of the Blue Ridge

4 Credit Hours
August 3–14, 2026
Instructors: Dr. Rachel Swenie, Harvard University

This hands-on course introduces students to the collection, identification, and diversity of macrofungi—including mushrooms—of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

Students will develop skills in field collection, morphological and anatomical identification, and specimen preservation for continued study.

Lecture and discussion topics include:

The biology of the mushroom lifecycle

Ecological roles of fungi

Fungal diversity and evolutionary relationships

Documenting and preserving field specimens

DNA barcoding methods

Each day includes a morning field trip followed by an afternoon lecture and laboratory session. In the lab, students will examine and identify collections using morphological analysis and dichotomous keys. Microscopes and chemical reagents will be available for accurate species determinations.

Fungal specimens will be dried and labeled for herbarium preservation, and the lab will remain open in the evenings for additional study and exploration.