MDC Runge Nature Center to hold Mushroom Madness workshop on Saturday

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Central
Published Date
03/11/2014
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.— Many Missouri mushrooms are edible, but safe, successful mushroom hunting begins with good identification skills and a basic understanding of when, where, and how mushrooms grow. To help with mushroom identification, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City is hosting a Mushroom Madness workshop from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sat., March 15. This program is free and open to all ages.

For many mushroom lovers, hunting for the fungi begins and ends with the spongy morels that pop up in the woodlands in April and early May. However, there are many different edible wild mushroom species that grow in the woods, and this workshop can help you tell the difference between tasty versus deadly.

Stan Hudson from the Missouri Mycological Society (MOMS) will lead this workshop. Hudson will focus on how to find and identify some common edible mushrooms in Missouri by understanding their relationship to trees.

“Mushroom hunting is a great way to get outdoors and discover nature,” said Runge Nature Center Manager Kathy Cavender. “It’s something the whole family can do together and in the end, you will be rewarded with a tasty treat.”

Runge Nature Center is located one-third of a mile north of Hwy 50 on Hwy 179. Building hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The building is closed on Sunday and Monday. The outdoor trails are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

For more information on this or other programs, call 573-526-5544 or visit mdc.mo.gov and search “Runge.”