Mushrooms, Mushrooms Everywhere!
The mushrooms we see can be fruiting bodies of fungi living below the surface. Some fungi break down organic matter in the soil. Fairy ring fungi, for example, can feed on decaying tree stumps, logs, leaves, or roots. Mulch can support fungi too. Bird’s nest fungi grow on decomposing organic matter and are often found in moist, shady locations, including mulch in planting beds. They are not harmful to living plants.
Often, the easiest approach is simply to tolerate them. Fairy rings in home lawns are primarily a cosmetic problem and often disappear naturally when environmental conditions change. If you choose to remove mushrooms associated with fairy rings, wear gloves to rake up the mushrooms and dispose of them in the garbage.
Fungicides are not recommended for controlling fairy rings or bird’s nest fungi, even if the product is labeled for fungi management. They’re typically not effective at preventing their development or reducing symptoms.
Mushrooms and other fungi can be a normal part of the landscape. If you are curious about what you are seeing, we have resources about fairy rings, bird’s nest fungi, and other common lawn and garden concerns.
Helpful links:
Planning AHEAD
Don’t leave a mess, leave a legacy. Plan ahead.
No one knows what the future may bring. A medical crisis or unexpected event could leave you unable to communicate your own health care or financial decisions. Taking time to plan ahead can help ensure your wishes are known and reduce stress for the people who care about you.
Planning AHEAD is a free, multi-session educational program designed to help adults begin or continue the end-of-life planning process. The program covers important topics related to advance care planning and encourages participants to consider decisions that may affect themselves and their families in the future.
End-of-life planning is not just for people who are older or facing serious illness. Anyone age 18 or older can benefit from having a plan in place. By taking steps now, you can help create clarity for yourself and your loved ones and leave a legacy of thoughtful preparation.
Two program series are available this fall, offering both in-person and online options.
In-Person Series
Dates
- Monday, November 2
- Wednesday, November 4
- Monday, November 9
- Wednesday, November 11
- Monday, November 16
- Wednesday, November 18
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Road, Greenville
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/PlanningAheadFoxWest26
Phone Registration: (920) 832-5121
Online Series
Dates
- Tuesday, November 3
- Thursday, November 5
- Tuesday, November 10
- Thursday, November 12
- Tuesday, November 17
- Thursday, November 19
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/PlanningAheadNovZoom
Phone Registration: (920) 832-5121
The program is open to all adults interested in learning more about advance care planning and preparing for the unexpected.
Badger Crop Connect Series
As Wisconsin farmers finish the 2026 harvest and begin looking toward 2027, crop markets and weather are two important pieces of the planning process. The final Badger Crop Connect webinar of 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at 12:30 p.m.
Dr. Brenda Boetel will provide an outlook on corn and soybean markets and discuss pricing strategies as farmers finish the 2026 harvest and plan for the coming year.
Josh Bendorf, Extension climate outreach specialist, will provide a 2026 Wisconsin weather summary and look ahead to weather conditions in 2027.
Badger Crop Connect provides Wisconsin farmers and crop consultants with timely information about corn, soybean, small grain, and forage crop management. The free webinars are offered at 12:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays from April through October with recordings of past webinars available to watch anytime.
The webinar is designed with farmers and crop consultants in mind, and anyone interested in the topics is welcome to attend. Registration is required.
Fast Pitch Business Competition
Your Big Idea Starts Here
Do you have an innovative business idea or a venture ready to grow? Fast Pitch, part of the New North Pitch Series, provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their ideas, receive feedback, and compete for prizes.
UW-Madison Extension for Outagamie & Winnebago Counties is proud to support this event for the sixth year.
Event Details
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Sage Hall #1214, UW-Oshkosh
Pitch Format
- 4-minute presentation
- 2-minute question-and-answer session
Application Period
October 1-31, 2026
Lean more and apply: https://www.startupwi.org/new-north
Join Us For 4-H Cloverbud Blast!
Date: November 8
Time: 1-3pm
Location: Coughlin Center, 625 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh
Register Today!
The Cloverbud Project provides young members with opportunities to explore a wide variety of interests through hands-on learning and age-appropriate activities. Cloverbuds can experience science, creative arts, animals, plants, community service, and many other areas while building confidence and curiosity.
Cloverbud Blast is an annual event that brings together these young learners for a day of celebration and connection. The event also recognizes Cloverbud graduates as they complete second grade and prepare to move into traditional 4-H projects, where they can focus on topics that interest them most.
Canning and Food Safety Hotline
Whether you’re new to food preservation or have years of experience, questions can come up when you least expect them. Wisconsin residents now have access to AnswerLine, a trusted resource that provides research-based guidance on safe food preservation practices.
AnswerLine is offered through a collaboration between UW–Madison Extension and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The service is staffed by trained Extension professionals who can help answer questions about canning, freezing, drying, and other food preservation methods. Their guidance is based on the latest safety recommendations, helping you protect both your food and your health.
Reaching AnswerLine is simple. You can call to speak directly with a specialist or send your question by email. This flexibility allows you to get reliable information in a way that works best for you.
Whether you’re preserving garden produce, preparing meals ahead of time, or trying something new, AnswerLine is a dependable resource you can trust.
Call: 866-540-4636
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Email: answer@iastate.edu
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. Contact the Extension Winnebago County at 920-232-1970 on Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm, excluding holidays, to request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services.