Dave Paton is a wild mushroom forager, educator, and traditional musician based in Lakeville, Connecticut. With years of experience exploring the woods of the Northwest Corner and the surrounding tri-state area, Dave is known for making the complex world of mycology accessible, safe, and engaging for all skill levels. Through his popular community workshops and guided walks—such as The Fungus Among Us—he teaches the fundamentals of mushroom identification, the critical ecological roles of fungi, and the essential do’s and don’ts of safe foraging. When he isn’t tracking down local fungi, Dave can be found playing the concertina and hammered dulcimer or instructing whitewater kayaking. He is thrilled to share his passion for the fungal kingdom with fellow enthusiasts at this year’s Berkshire Mushroom Festival.