Class Description
Jana Harris
This is an introductory class for beginners about The Fifth Kingdom – The Fungi Kingdom. You will be introduced to the Fungi Kingdom, also known as the miracle worker of nature. The first week will cover the history of fungi on Earth; basic vocabulary terms and the fungal kingdom placement in the ecosystem; the relationship of fungi and trees, plants; life cycle of mushroom; anatomy of mushroom; classification of fungi and how they are named; mushroom hunting safety and ethics; tips on cooking and storing mushrooms (wild ones and store bought). The second week will cover 5 plus 5 local mushroom groups to know (edible and non edible ones); deadly and toxic poisonous mushrooms in our area and the difference between them, including mushrooms in the veggie garden; how to grow mushrooms from kits; and resources for beginners. Fungi can be food, a decomposer of debris and also a healing agent. A native of Czechoslovakia, Jana Harris of Essex Forays is certified in Wild Mushroom Food Safety and is a member of the Boston Mycological Club. She is also host and co-producer of Fungi Finders.