Name: Foray with Sebastian Tabibi
Start: 2026-08-13T12:00:00-0600
End: 2026-08-13T16:30:00-0600

SCHEDULE LAUNCH IS JUNE 21st, 2026

Welcome to the largest wild mushroom happening in North America, the 46th Annual Telluride Mushroom Festival! This program of the Telluride Institute, a 501c3 non-profit, offers a plethora of events ranging from foray and mushroom ID sessions, to hands-on demonstrations and lectures—all led by regionally, nationally, and internationally-known experts, (and we cannot forget the wide variety of social and cultural events offered, along with the famous Mushroom Parade!) there is plenty for everyone, every day.

On this website, you can filter your search by events, venues, presenters, etc. Each year the Mushroom Festival features many wonderful presentations on “all things fungi.” Presentations on similar topics are grouped together at the same venue so that attendees interested will be able to spend more time learning and interacting, and less time walking between venues. See who else is interested in each event and interact with our extended Mushroom Family.

See you soon!

Foray with Sebastian Tabibi

Thursday August 13, 2026 12:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Carhenge Parking Lot @ 700 W Pacific Ave, Telluride, CO 81435, USA

From High Peaks to River Valleys: A Mycological Journey with Sebastian Tabibi

Join mycologist and community builder Sebastian Tabibi for an immersive exploration of the diverse fungal landscapes surrounding Telluride. This foray is designed to bridge the gap between scientific identification and practical, earth-centered wisdom, offering participants a deep dive into the fungal diversity of the San Juan Mountains.

The Expedition
Our journey will traverse the dramatic ecological gradients of the region, venturing through:

High-Elevation Coniferous Forests: Navigating the subalpine stands of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir with an elevation around 10K.

Bottomland Riparian Areas: Descending into the lush, shaded corridors of valley floors to explore the rich biodiversity found among willows, cottonwoods, and alders.

As we move through these varied habitats, Sebastian will provide a comprehensive breakdown for every species encountered. This is more than a simple identification walk; participants will gain insights into:

Edibility & Toxins: Clear, expert guidance on which species are choice edibles and which carry dangerous lookalikes.

Medicinal Benefits: The traditional and contemporary therapeutic applications of forest fungi.

Ecological Roles: Understanding the vital functions fungi perform as decomposers, mycorrhizal partners, and nutrient recyclers.

Habitat & Phenology: Learning where and when to look based on tree associations and seasonal timing.

Human Utility: Exploring the practical, ancient, and modern uses for fungi beyond the kitchen.

Our foray will conclude with a curated Specimen Discussion. This final "table talk" serves as a high-level review of the day’s finds, highlighting the unique importance of each species within the ecosystem. By examining our collection side-by-side, we will solidify our identification skills and depart with a profound appreciation for the biodiversity that sustains these mountains.

Prepare to live intentionally, embrace the forest, and follow the path of being a "spore in the wind."

Where to Meet
This foray meets at Carhenge Parking Lot at 11:45AM. We encourage you to arrive a little early to meet your foray leader and your fellow foragers. TMF does not provide transportation, so carpooling is encouraged to help groups stay together.

Be Prepared
Please come ready for changing mountain weather with:

Good footwear
Water and snacks
Layers or rain gear
A basket or paper bag for collecting mushrooms

All foray groups will have a First Aid–certified volunteer present.

Pre‑Sign Up Online
Space is limited — secure your spot online before festival week or at the Sign‑Up Tent the day before.
During sign‑up, you’ll acknowledge our Release from Liability, Photo Release, and Code of Conduct.

Each person may register for one foray and one special event.

Speakers

Sebastian Tabibi

Foray Leader, North Texas Mycology

Sebastian Tabibi is a passionate amateur chef and highly regarded mycologist raising awareness on the crucial role fungi play in our ecosystem. Based in North Texas, Sebastian has been delving into the world of fungi, particularly fascinated by their medicinal properties and cataloging... Read More →

Thursday August 13, 2026 12:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Carhenge Parking Lot

Foray - Signup Required (included in Festival Pass), Foray

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46th Telluride Mushroom Festival

Sebastian Tabibi

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46th Telluride Mushroom Festival

Sebastian Tabibi

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