Learn how to transform foraged mushrooms into homemade medicine.

This program will dig deep into two common local fungi renowned for their medicinal properties: hemlock varnish shelf, AKA reishi (Ganoderma tsugae) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor).  

Forager and mycophotographer Sarah LeTourneau will begin with a presentation on mushroom foraging, covering safety and identification, habitat, processing, and the remarkable health benefits of these widespread wild mushrooms. 

Following the presentation, participants will learn how to turn mushrooms into medicine with a hands-on tincture-making workshop. Locally-gathered reishi and turkey tail will be used to demonstrate the double-extraction method, and all participants will craft their own tinctures to keep. 

Join us for an afternoon appreciating the incredible gifts of the fungal world! The tips, concepts, and medicine-making methods covered in this class can be applied to other mushrooms, so participants will leave not just with tinctures, but with a steady foundation for continued exploration at home. 

Note: this program is fully indoors and will not include foraging. The mushrooms used for making tinctures will be gathered and preserved beforehand. 

What to Bring

• Notebook and writing utensil.
• Reusable water bottle (refills available on site) and backpack snacks as desired. 

Program Notes: 

Environment: This class will take place fully indoors in the demonstration kitchen at the Horn Farm's farmhouse. 

Arrival: Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can begin each class on time. More details about parking will be communicated in a reminder email days before the program. 

What to Bring: We encourage participants to bring any desired materials for notetaking and a refillable water bottle. Refills are available in the farmhouse. 

Audience: This class is only suitable for adults 21+

Cost: The standard cost for this program is $32/person. Sliding scale options are available to support accessibility.

Dogs: Since the Horn Farm is a working farm with active restoration spaces, we do not allow dogs in our programs. Thank you for understanding. 

Cancellation: All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

About the Instructor:

Sarah LeTourneau

Sarah Le Tourneau is a mushroom huntress, Myco-photographer, citizen scientist and forager. Born and raised in the Green Mountains of Vermont, she went on to attend Global College where she studied in India and Central America. She got her start working in wilderness education in rural New Mexico and continued to work as an educator and workforce development specialist. She has been a resident of Lancaster county for seven years now and has been immersing herself in the wild spaces around the region since she arrived. Her interests in mycology are rooted both in a love for healthy ecosystems and in human development. She believes that the many uses of fungi offer a more sustainable path into the future.