Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification Course (SC, NC, GA, VA, AL, PA, NY, RI) – 5-Year State-Approved Permit Training - May 16-17, 2026

Earn your 5-year Wild Mushroom Foraging Permit, meeting the criteria required by state health departments and formally approved for the legal foraging and sale of wild mushrooms in the following states:
South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Rhode Island.

Registered participants will receive a study guide and slide deck approximately one month before the class to support preparation for the training and exams.

Class size is limited to 40 participants. Due to the nature of this certification, no refunds are available. In the event of an emergency, we may be able to transfer your registration to a future course.

Location

Oatland Island Wildlife Center
https://oatland.sccpss.com/
711 Sandtown Road, Savannah GA 31410

A scenic wildlife center just outside historic Savannah, Oatland Island is nestled among coastal marsh habitats and is home to a variety of native animals in spacious, natural enclosures. Participants will enjoy a unique foraging experience surrounded by diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Please note:

• Smoking, pets, and fishing are not permitted anywhere on the property
• Bring your own lunch
• Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended

Dates & Hours

May 16–17, 2026
Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Instructor: Anne-Marie Bilella

Anne-Marie Bilella is the Farmer, the Baker, and the Medicine-Maker behind Bella Vista Farm in Georgia. She brings extensive hands-on experience in herbal medicine, wild weeds, mushrooms, and natural product formulation.

Her herbal education began through self-study and expanded in 2014 with the completion of a 10-month intensive herbal training under Patricia Kyritsi Howell of the BotanoLogos School of Herbal Studies. Anne-Marie is certified as a Wild Mushroom Forager and Seller and serves as an instructor for Mushroom Mountain’s Wild Mushroom Safety Course.

She is also the creator of the Forager Chick herbal product line, a homesteader, author, and contributing writer for Aroma Culture Magazine, Mother Earth News – Herbal Living, and her own long-running blog.

Legal & Certification Requirements

State regulations require that all wild-foraged mushrooms intended for sale be individually inspected and verified as safe by an approved mushroom identification expert who:

(A) Has demonstrated sufficient knowledge and passed the required exams, and
(B) Harvests only species approved by the state.

This course trains participants to identify and work exclusively with the following permitted mushroom species:

• Pink Chanterelles (Cantharellus cinnabarinus)
• Golden Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.)
• Morels (Morchella spp.)
• Black Trumpet (Craterellus fallax)
• Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
• Wood Ears (Auricularia spp.)
• Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus spp.)
• Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)
• Hedgehog (Hydnum repandum)
• Lion’s Mane / Pom Pom (Hericium spp.)
• White Oyster (Pleurotus spp.)
• Cauliflower (Sparassis spp.)
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
• Blewits (Clitocybe nuda)
• Honey Mushrooms (Armillaria spp.)
• Blue Milky (Lactarius indigo)
• Golden Milkies (Lactifluus spp.)
• Pecan Truffle (Tuber lyonii)
• Puffballs (Lycoperdon, Calvatia spp.)