Summer Mushroom Extravaganza

Date(s): June 21-22, 2008 - Saturday - Sunday
Start Time: 8:00 AM
End Time: 5:00 PM
Age: 18+
Meeting Place: Field Camp
Activity Level: Moderate
Instructor(s): Larry Evans, B.S.
Course Fee: $170 includes lodging at Field Camp June 21 / without lodging $140
Credits: 18 OPI, 1 FVCC, 1 UM
Student Limit: 12

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As the spring rains end and the air begins to warm, the forest and meadow floors burst with a fungal feast.  This course offers a thorough introduction to the enormous number of fungi and their role in the northern Rockies ecosystem as a source of nutrition for the entire forest.  On the Flathead National Forest land, we’ll focus on mushrooms growing in such specialized habitats as melting snow banks and recent forest burns, with an emphasis on burn ecology.  We will learn how to use a botanical key to identify fungi.  Each evening we will taste test the edible mushrooms collected during the day and enjoy a potluck dinner while viewing slides of different spore groups.  Those familiar with mushrooms outside of the northern Rockies will discover a plethora of new species that are unique to this area.  All mushroom lovers are welcome. All collection will take place in the Flathead National Forest.  Since spring and fall species are quite different, be sure to sign up for our Fall Mushroom Foray, September 27-28.For more information about mushrooms, be sure to visit Larry Evans' website, www.fungaljungal.org.