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Instructors
Michael Karns
St. Paul, MN
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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
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Discovering the Language of Birds
Instructors:
Michael Karns
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
8am-3pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
Sun, Jun 8th, 2025
8am-3pm
8am-3pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
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Mushroom & Fungi Intro
Instructors:
Michael Karns
Join us on the North Shore and in the Superior National Forest as summer wanes and the seasonal…
Fri, Sep 5th, 2025
9am-4pm
9am-4pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
Sat, Sep 6th, 2025
9am-4pm
9am-4pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
Sun, Sep 7th, 2025
9am-4pm
9am-4pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
Fri, Sep 12th, 2025
9am-4pm
9am-4pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
Sat, Sep 13th, 2025
9am-4pm
9am-4pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
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Mushroom & Fungi: A Closer Look
Instructors:
Michael Karns
If you've scratched the surface of mushroom identification, you probably have realized that…
Sun, Sep 14th, 2025
9am-4pm
9am-4pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
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Spring Birding on the North Shore
Instructors:
Michael Karns
Spring offers excellent birding opportunities on the North Shore. With the arrival of warblers and…
Fri, May 30th, 2025
7am-3pm
7am-3pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
Sat, Jun 7th, 2025
7am-3pm
7am-3pm
Instructor:
Michael Karns
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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
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
Day 1: 9am-4pm; Day 2: 9am-1:30pm