Do you know the difference between the edible chicken-of-the-woods (Laetiporus) and the hen-of-the-woods (Grifola)? Can you identify the common deadly mushrooms, Amanita and Galerina? Patrick Leacock, Ph.D., Adjunct Curator in mycology at The Field Museum, will lead us through the basics of Northeastern Illinois mushrooms and other fungi: how they make a living in the woods; what diversity we find around Chicago; how and when to collect and identify mushrooms. Emphasis will be on identifying the various types of gilled mushrooms. This four-hour class will begin with a foray into the woods and conclude with an identification workshop, complete with handouts. Last year's class found 50 kinds of fungi in less than an hour. For this list and more information on mushrooms of the region please visit Patrick's website beforehand at www.lactarius.com/fungi/. Bring a field guide if you have one, and dress for the weather.

Date: Saturday, September 10, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, St. Charles

Cost: $15.00

This program is part of the Learn from the Experts series, cosponsored by the Fox Valley Park District, St. Charles Park District and the Kane County Forest Preserve District. For more information, stop in the nature center or call Red Oak naturalist Pam Otto at 630-897-1808.

Anyone interested in attending could register the day of the program, but please call Pam Otto at Red Oak (630-897-1808) ahead of time to reserve your place.

Pam Otto, Red Oak Nature Center, Fox Valley Park District, 2343 S. River St., Batavia, IL 60510