WWiW—MOT (GPRC): Fungi Foray

Reconnect with nature on our Wellness Walks. Light steps + seasonal wonders await each month! OverviewWellness Walks in Wildlife (WWiW) – MOT October Theme: Fungi Foray Michelle Obama–South River Trail (MOT) Gresham Park Recreation Center Side Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM What to Expect Join Naturalist Tasha for Fungi Foray, an autumn edition of Wellness Walks in Wildlife (WWiW) exploring the fascinating and often overlooked world of fungi along the Michelle Obama–South River Trail. This greenway winds through an interconnected landscape of woodlands, forest edges, and waterways, offering opportunities to explore how fungi contribute to the health of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. As we follow the trail, we'll look for signs of fungi and explore their essential roles as decomposers, recyclers, and ecological partners. Along the way, we may encounter mushrooms, shelf fungi, lichens, molds, or other evidence of fungal activity while learning about mycelium (networks of fungal threads), mycorrhizae (fungus–root partnerships), and symbiosis (organisms living in close relationship). We'll also investigate how fungi help break down fallen leaves and branches, recycle nutrients into the soil, and support plant life along the forest and waterway corridors. This is an opportunity to discover how even the smallest organisms contribute to the health of our South River watershed. Because fungi respond to moisture, temperature, available nutrients, and other environmental conditions, mushroom sightings are never guaranteed. Part of the foray is slowing down, looking closely, and discovering what the ecosystem chooses to reveal that day. The full program lasts approximately 2.5 hours and moves at a relaxed, observant pace with frequent stops for exploration and discussion. No previous knowledge of fungi is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to look a little closer. Program Leader Your guide will be Tasha L. J. Messer, Park Naturalist with DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA). Where to Meet Michelle Obama–South River Trail Gresham Park Recreation Center Side 3113 Gresham Road SE Atlanta, GA 30316 Meet Naturalist Tasha behind Gresham Park Recreation Center near the entrance to the trail. What to Bring Wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes with good tread and dress for the weather. Bring a refillable water bottle. A hand lens or magnifying glass can be useful for taking a closer look at fungal structures, lichens, bark, and other tiny discoveries. Trekking poles or walking sticks are optional and may provide additional support on sloped or wet portions of the trail. Restrooms There are no public restrooms available along the trail during this program. Participants are encouraged to plan accordingly before arriving. Recommended Ages All ages are welcome. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs Because this program involves frequent stops, close observation, and movement through sensitive natural areas, participants are encouraged to leave pets at home. Weather Contingency This program will be held rain or shine unless weather, trail, or other environmental conditions are deemed unsafe by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs (RPCA). Recent rainfall and moisture may influence fungal activity, but the presence of mushrooms or other visible fungi cannot be guaranteed. Walking Distance Expect approximately 2.5 hours of gentle walking and exploration, covering approximately 2 miles at a relaxed pace with frequent stops for observation and discussion. The actual distance may vary depending on conditions and discoveries along the way. Exposure The route includes shaded woodland corridors, forest edges, and areas exposed to direct sunlight. Participants may encounter mosquitoes and other insects, seasonal heat or humidity, wet vegetation, fallen leaves, and slippery surfaces following rain. Trail Surface & Accessibility The walk begins near Gresham Park Recreation Center and follows a wide, paved concrete trail through wooded areas and along portions of the South River corridor. The trail provides a generally firm walking surface, although gradual changes in elevation, slopes, and occasional surface irregularities may be encountered. Following rainfall, wet leaves, small branches, sediment, or standing water may create slippery conditions. Participants using mobility aids or strollers should consider the approximately two-mile walking distance, changes in grade, and variable conditions along the trail. Questions about whether this program will work for your mobility or access needs? Contact Naturalist Tasha at [email protected] or 404-927-4227. Program Photos We love documenting our programs and may share photographs on DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs' websites, publications, and social media platforms. While participants are welcome to take their own photos, photographs taken by staff are generally intended for County documentation and promotional purposes and are not routinely distributed to participants. Waiver & Release By registering for this activity, each participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that he/she is participating in this program at his/her own risk and holds DeKalb County and all its officers, agents, servants, and/or employees harmless from and against any and all claims, loss, damage, charge, or expense to which they or any of them may be put or subjected by reason of participant’s participation in this program. You further acknowledge that DeKalb County is not responsible for the acts of others participating in this program and the other participants may include, but not be limited to, interested individuals, members of civic groups, religious groups, or community group, and/or persons convicted of crimes and/or violations of County ordinances and ordered to provide community service. I give permission that all photographs, films, video recordings, and sound recordings of me and/or my child(ren) made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs during this Naturalist program may be used non- commercially by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs to promotion and educational purposes. I understand and acknowledge that neither my child(ren) nor I will receive any compensation whatsoever for appearing in any photograph, film, video recording, or sound recording made by the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs. Naturalist Tasha 404-927-4227