What is the difference between a mushroom and a toadstool? Where do they grow? Which ones can you safely eat? (What on earth is a mycologist?)
Get the answers to these questions and many more as you join mushroom aficionado, Ken Gilberg, for the Mushrooms: From Backyard to Table class at Shaw Nature Reserve on Sun., Aug. 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Through an open discussion of your personal experiences and brief lecture followed by a session of collecting and identifying, participants will solve some of the mysteries surrounding fungi.
Come dressed for the weather and moderate hiking. Bring a basket or container for collecting, and a mushroom from home to identify (optional).
The moist spring/summer season has provided the Reserve with lots of mushrooms and other fungi, so there will be plenty of subject matter for the field part of the class.
This program is for adults only. To register on line go to www.shawnature.org  or by phone call (636) 451-3512, ext. 6075. Cost is $17 for members, $20 for non-members.
Shaw Nature Reserve is a 2,400-acre natural area located at Gray Summit. Take Exit #253 off  I-44.  Follow the signs. Open daily.