ENVR050 - Can I Eat That Mushroom? A Mycological Adventure

Course Description

Interested in fungi? Curious about the colorful and mysterious mushrooms you see in your lawn or on hikes? This hands-on, practical course is perfect for beginners and those who know a few mushrooms but want to learn more.

You will spend time both in the classroom and in the forest, exploring the fascinating life histories of fungi, learning techniques for identifying mushrooms, and more.

Course Outline

In this course, you will:

• Learn the basics of fungal biology and ecology
• Develop mushroom field identification skills through classroom and field practice
• Identify local edible and poisonous mushroom species
• Understand principles and best practices for nature observation
• Discuss culinary, medicinal, and other uses of fungi, including sustainable collection and preservation methods
• Get recommendations on keys, field guides, online resources, and "communities of practice"

Learner Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand basic fungal biology and ecology
• Identify mushrooms in the field, focusing on key ID features, habitats, and lookalikes
• Recognize local edible and poisonous mushroom species
• Apply best practices for observing nature and mushrooms
• Utilize knowledge of ethnomycology, including culinary, medicinal, and other uses of fungi
• Access and use resources such as keys, field guides, and online communities

Notes

Preparation and What to Bring

• Bring mushrooms for identification and classroom study/practice (store in paper or wax paper in the fridge or cool area; avoid plastic bags and freezers)
• Wear clothing and shoes that will keep you dry and warm while moving slowly outside
• Additional information will be sent to registered participants prior to the class