“Surf & Smurf” Mendocino Coast Mushroom & Uni Foraging Retreat
Feb 18-21
What to Expect: One day of mushroom foraging, one day of uni foraging, great food, community, good times
Join expert mycologist Christian Schwarz, uni o-fishionado Ryn Sullivan, and popular Chef Chad Hyatt for an all-inclusive four-day retreat on the gorgeous Mendocino Coast, Feb 18-21. You will be treated to one day of mushroom foraging with Christian, one day of uni foraging with Ryn, and delicious meals every day by Chad.
For meals, we will be all together; for activities, we will be breaking into two groups; each group will get to do both activities. If you want to be in the same foraging group as another group member, please let us know on your registration form.
Mushroom Day
For your day in the forest, we will be targeting edible mushrooms such as black trumpets, chanterelles, yellowfoot, and hedgehogs, teaching you how to ID the dozens of species we will likely find, and learning all about coastal ecology and land history along the way. Under Christian’s expert guidance, you’ll learn foraging skills, sustainability, and stewardship practices that honor the interconnections of our natural world.
Uni Day
For your day in the ocean, we will be targeting delicious uni! This hands-on experience allows you to contribute to a healthier ocean while enjoying the sweet, gourmet taste of fresh sea urchin. We will teach you how to safely open the urchins, how to identify the edible parts (uni), and how to responsibly forage from our coastal ecosystem. Our classes are designed to deepen your relationship with the sea and the living creatures within it, all while engaging in a rewarding practice that benefits the environment.
This retreat is perfect for people looking for a deeper dive in mushroom foraging, mycology, coastal ecology, and Mendocino. It’s also perfect for people wanting a fun way to spend time on the Mendocino Coast, eating delicious food with a great group of people, and exploring a beautiful place.
Throughout the retreat, Carrie will be facilitating community building and supporting everyone there to get the most out of our time together.
Our retreat center has fire pits, epic coastal views, gorgeous hikes, and more. Camp out, stay in the dorm, or book private lodging for yourself or you and a friend or partner.
Whether you’re coming for the thrill of the hunt, Chef Chad’s delicious food, the incredible views, the ecological knowledge, or to meet cool, like-minded people, this retreat has something for everyone. Get ready for a transformational journey, new friends, and enriching lifelong skills. You’ll leave with a deeper connection to the fascinating flora, fungi, and fauna, and the lands and waters of the Mendocino Coast.
You will need both a mushroom foraging permit from Jackson State Demonstration Forest and a Fishing License from CDFW to participate in all activities at this retreat.
All of our retreats sell out well in advance. If you’d like to be the first to hear when registration opens, please join the waitlist.
