Explore Vermont’s rich fungal biodiversity with one of the state’s most engaging and knowledgeable mushroom experts.
Meg Madden’s life work exists at the intersection of science and wonder. As a Vermont-based mycologist, she has developed a singular approach to mushroom education that blends ecological insight with visual storytelling. With thousands of followers online and a growing reputation in the field, Meg is helping people reconnect with the natural world—one spore, cap, and stem at a time.
Lucky for Swift House Inn, Meg will be leading an immersive mushroom walk through Wright Park in Middlebury on August 15. We had the chance to speak with her ahead of the event to learn more about her unique connection to fungi, what participants can expect on the trail, and how a walk in the woods can become something close to magical.
What’s the rarest mushroom you’ve ever photographed?
I’ve actually photographed a few really rare mushrooms—two of which were found right here in Middlebury’s Battell Woods, which is incredibly exciting. One is called the Purple-edged Lute. I have the only recorded observation of it in Vermont on iNaturalist, and there are only a handful of sightings across the entire Northeast. The Vermont Center for Ecostudies even did a short write-up about it.
The other is the Ballerina Waxcap—a delicate little pink mushroom that looks like a ballerina’s skirt. I’ve found two clusters in Battell Woods. Again, only a few observations exist in the state.
Then a couple of years ago in Shrewsbury, Vermont, I was leading a mushroom walk and came across a species I suspected was on the Northeast Rare Fungi List. I took photos, collected a sample, and sent it out for DNA analysis. It turned out to be not only that mushroom, but a new form of it—something never seen before. That was pretty incredible.
What qualities make a good mycologist?
Attention to detail and patience. I’ve always been drawn to small, intricate things—I used to spend hours as a kid drawing finely detailed pictures. I call it “getting your mushroom eyes.” Most people walk through the woods scanning the big picture, but when you slow down and start focusing on the details, your brain adapts and you begin seeing more and more. I love watching that transformation happen during my walks.
What should someone expect on one of your mushroom walks?
Some people come expecting a foraging experience, but it’s more about ecology and natural communities. We focus on what fungi are doing in the ecosystem—how they form relationships, recycle nutrients, and support forest health. It’s an educational walk, not a harvest. Most people pass mushrooms without understanding their role. This walk is a chance to change that.
What gear should people bring?
Comfortable shoes with good tread are important—we’re often on uneven ground. I always bring insect repellent, especially during peak deer fly season. A small basket is useful if you want to collect non-edible specimens for observation. I also recommend a mushroom knife and a hand lens or phone macro lens to get a closer look at the details.
How did you get into mushrooms?
I’ve always been a naturalist—I grew up exploring the woods and didn’t come home until dinner. My mom was very cautious about mushrooms, so while we could look, we were never allowed to touch them. That fear stuck with me.
Then during the pandemic, my daughter and I were walking in Battell Woods and came across these brilliant red, cup-shaped mushrooms—scarlet elf cups. We called them “fairy bowls” at first. That moment sparked everything. I started posting mushroom photos to my Instagram, which at the time was for my jewelry. I had no idea so many people would be interested. My following grew from a couple hundred to over 20,000 in under a year.
Your Instagram is really successful. How did you build it?
I was intentional about it. I followed other mycology accounts, engaged with the community, and gradually began sharing educational content alongside the images. People come for the mushroom and stay for the science. I try to make everything accessible—bite-sized, not overwhelming.
Are you originally from Middlebury?
Yes, I grew up here. I’ve lived in a few other places—Connecticut, upstate New York, the Boston area—but Vermont is home. I can’t imagine living anywhere better.
How does Vermont stack up as a mushroom habitat?
It’s bonkers—in a good way! The diversity here is amazing. In a good year, with the right temperatures and moisture, it’s just nonstop mushrooms. I’ve had summers where I was trying not to step on them while photographing them. Even people from other parts of the world are blown away by how many species we have.
Where else in the world is great for mushrooms?
The Pacific Northwest, the UK, parts of the southern U.S., and tropical regions like Malaysia are all incredible. Basically, anywhere with steady moisture and moderate temperatures.
You also water plants and arrange flowers at Swift House Inn. How did you develop those skills?
I was a cut-flower grower for 12 years under the name Shooting Star Flowers. I grew up gardening—my parents and grandfather were gardeners—and I eventually started selling bouquets to local co-ops, florists, and markets. It was a full-scale operation. I stopped after I moved and didn’t have the land anymore. Growing flowers can be grueling and heartbreaking at times, but I still love arranging and caring for them.
You’re known for being “The Orchid Whisperer.” What’s your secret?
I keep things simple. I don’t move them around—I leave them in an east-facing window where they’re happy. I water them with ice cubes so the water doesn’t just drain right through, and I don’t fuss over them with fertilizer. I think people sometimes “over-love” their houseplants. Most plants want consistency more than anything.
Have you ever gotten sick from eating a mushroom?
No, I’m extremely cautious. It took me three years of studying mushrooms before I even tried an edible one. My first was a chanterelle—I knew 1000% what it was, cooked a tiny piece, waited overnight, and only then felt comfortable. Now I love them.
What do you think about the use of psilocybin in therapy?
I think it’s great. It’s unfortunate that research was halted for so long due to the War on Drugs. Psilocybin has real potential for treating mental health issues, addiction, and more. I’m glad that research is picking back up.
How did you get your book deal?
Through Instagram! A publisher reached out via DM and asked if I wanted to write a mushroom book. It was part of a series, so I didn’t get to use my own photos, but I’d love to do a big, beautiful coffee table book with my photography in the future.
You also sell your mushroom greeting cards locally. Can you talk about your photography?
I actually started with a manual 35mm camera to learn the basics, but once smartphones improved, I realized I could do a lot with an iPhone. Every photo I take is on an iPhone 11. I’ve learned its quirks and strengths inside and out. I’ve tested newer models, but nothing beats the control I have with this one. And it’s accessible—that’s important to me.
Final question: What’s that mushroom that grows in potting soil with orchids?
Ah, that’s the Flowerpot Parasol! It’s a bright yellow mushroom that often shows up in indoor plants. Interestingly, I found one with another fungus growing on it. I collected a sample and sent it off for analysis. Fungi growing on fungi—it never ends!
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