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Instructors

Michael Karns

St. Paul, MN
North House Folk School photo of instructor, Michael Karns

Michael began his fascination with the natural world as a child captivated by birds. He discovered foraging as a teenager while birding on his family’s 40 wooded acres in north central Arkansas. Since those humble beginnings collecting puffballs,  wood-ear, and  warblers for his life-list… his passion for great food, and a slightly obsessive compulsion for learning have led him to delve deeper into mycology, ornithology, and all the delicious, and captivating treasures the forest has to offer.

Michael is a member of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), the Minnesota Mycological Association (MMS), as well as a certified mycological identification expert in the area of food service, and sourcing.

Current Courses Offered by Michael Karns

Teaser image for Discovering the Language of Birds

Discovering the Language of Birds

We call them songs, but in reality, those sweet bird chirps and calls are more than a happy little…
Sat, May 31st, 2025
8am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sun, Jun 8th, 2025
8am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Teaser image for Mushroom & Fungi Intro

Mushroom & Fungi Intro

Join us on the North Shore and in the Superior National Forest as summer wanes and the seasonal…
Fri, Sep 5th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sat, Sep 6th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sun, Sep 7th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Fri, Sep 12th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sat, Sep 13th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Teaser image for Mushroom & Fungi: A Closer Look

Mushroom & Fungi: A Closer Look

If you've scratched the surface of mushroom identification, you probably have realized that…
Sun, Sep 14th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Teaser image for Spring Birding on the North Shore

Spring Birding on the North Shore

Spring offers excellent birding opportunities on the North Shore. With the arrival of warblers and…
Fri, May 30th, 2025
7am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sat, Jun 7th, 2025
7am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Teaser image for Untamed Mushrooms: A Walk in the Woods & Cooking Exploration

Untamed Mushrooms: A Walk in the Woods & Cooking Exploration

This class will spend a day in the field and a day in the kitchen. Stepping into nature,…
Thu, Aug 14th, 2025  –  Fri, Aug 15th, 2025
Day 1: 9am-4pm; Day 2: 9am-1:30pm
Thu, Aug 21st, 2025  –  Fri, Aug 22nd, 2025
Day 1: 9am-4pm; Day 2: 9am-1:30pm

Past Courses Offered by Michael Karns

All About Morel Mushrooms: Online Course

Mushroom & Fungi Intro

Untamed Mushrooms: A Wild Walk in the Woods

Untamed Mushrooms: From Field to Table

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