Name: Foray with Nickolas Rajtar
Start: 2026-08-15T08:00:00-0600
End: 2026-08-15T12:00:00-0600

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 Nickolas Rajtar

Saturday August 15, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

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

Wandering for Wild Fungi: A Polypore‑Forward Foray Part 2 with Nick Rajtar

Join Nickolas for a relaxed, exploratory foray designed for everyone — from total beginners to seasoned mycologists. This walk embraces curiosity and the natural rhythm of the forest. Participants are encouraged to wander, explore at their own pace, and follow whatever catches their eye.

While Nickolas has a special love for polypores, they’re skilled in identifying a wide range of mushrooms, and the focus of the day will simply be whatever the forest chooses to offer.

During the final 30 minutes, the group will reconvene for a collaborative show‑and‑tell, sharing finds, comparing notes, and learning together. This foray is perfect for anyone who enjoys discovery, community learning, and letting the woods lead the way.

Where to Meet
This foray meets at Carhenge Parking Lot at 7:45 AM. 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

Nickolas Rajtar

Foray Leader

Nick Rajtar is a forest pathologist and a mycologist who received his PhD at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities under his advisor Dr. Robert Blanchette in 2024. Rajtar currently is a post-doctoral researcher at UMN where his work focuses on the biosurveillance of invasive forest... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Carhenge Parking Lot

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

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46th Telluride Mushroom Festival

Nickolas Rajtar

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46th Telluride Mushroom Festival

Nickolas Rajtar

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