MGAWC has in-person meetings April-June and September-November
7:00-7:30 pm Optional Social Time at the Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC), UM-Dearborn
7:30-8:00 pm Announcements
8:00-9:00 pm Mushrooms Are Awesome, and You Should Love Them!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PARKING STRUCTURE IS CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION
Park in lot C
Dr. Susko’s mushroom garden at the EIC is no longer in operation, but naturalist Mike Solomon has been incorporating fungi into his home garden and will share his enthusiasm on the subject.
In a straight from the heart talk, Mike will discuss some of the adaptations of fungi that particularly interest him, explain a bit about their role in the environment “trading” nutrients around, share some basic mushroom ID tips, and offer a couple of book recommendations. If weather allows, those who are interested can take a short walk to look for mushrooms in the Environmental Study Area.
Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC) staff member Mike Solomon is a 2023 graduate of University of Michigan-Dearborn, with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies (Naturalist Concentration). Now Mike leads field trips, plans and develops programs, assists with the stewardship of the Environmental Study Area, and does outreach for the University and the EIC. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide, a Michigan Naturalist through the Michigan State Extension program, and a Sandy McBeath Outstanding Interpreter. Mike spends much of his free time outdoors, hiking, fishing, foraging and exploring. He also enjoys playing video games, and listening to music.
His latest recognition came from the National Association for Interpretation Great Lakes Region, as the 2025 recipient of the Sandy McBeath Outstanding Part-time/Seasonal Interpreter, presented at the recent regional interpretive workshop held at Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner, Ohio.
EIC alumni Griffin Bray, Program Assistant Dale Browne (last year’s recipient of "the McBeath"), and EIC’s Dorothy McLeer nominated Mike for this award, with support from other EIC colleagues.