PLPPM 3190 - Mushrooms of Field and Forest

(OPHLS-AG)

Fall (weeks 2-9). 2 credits. Letter grades only.

K. T. Hodge.

Students learn to identify mushrooms and other macrofungi we collect on a series of eight afternoon field trips to local forests. During evening labs, students practice identification skills, using keys and microscopes to observe and differentiate the diverse mushrooms we’ve collected. The course takes advantage of the peak Fall mushroom season in our region. Brief in-lab lectures introduce fungal diversity and the roles mushrooms play in Earth’s ecosystems. Students must attend both lab times.

Outcome 1: Recognize a fungus when you see one.

Outcome 2: Distinguish a handful of common mushrooms in the field.

Outcome 3: Observe and describe in vivid detail the characteristics of any mushroom.

Outcome 4: Select an appropriate field guide or key, then integrate your observations to identify unknown mushrooms.

Outcome 5: Develop a collection of macrofungi from the local environment.

Outcome 6: Discuss the roles of fungi in the ecosystem.

Outcome 7: Be able to explain to others, convincingly, why fungi are cool.