TRAER – Tama County Women, Land & Legacy (WLL) announces its 52nd event: “Into the Wild: Safe Mushroom Foraging.” The event will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at Traer Public Library’s Kupka Cultural Center, 531 Second Street. Registration and dessert will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 7 p.m. Find the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1274200960301849 and please share!

This event is free and open to the general public, both women and men. An RSVP is preferred by March 25 by phoning 641-484-2702, ext. 3 or by emailing melody.bro@ia.nacdnet.net.

Join us as ISU Extension and Outreach Natural Resources Field Specialist Gina Buelow shares a fun-filled program about mushroom foraging. Learn about what fungi are, how to identify mushrooms and how you can forage safely and responsibly. Get ready to develop a new appreciation for the spectacular spore-bearing members of our ecosystem!

Gina’s presentation will provide information about identification of fungi, mushroom biology and ecology and common seasonal edible mushrooms. In Iowa, mushroom foraging typically occurs between the months of May and November. Watch out for lookalikes! This programming is not part of the Wild Mushroom Identification Certification, also operated by ISU Extension and Outreach, which is a needed credential to sell wild harvested mushrooms.

Tama County WLL began in 2007, part of a statewide USDA outreach project. Almost 500 individuals from in and around Tama County have attended at least one of the group’s events. Statewide, WLL is currently active in 45 Iowa counties and brings together Iowans interested in agriculture, local food and natural resources to converse, listen and become empowered for involvement on their landscape and in their communities.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to participate in this event should contact Stacie Buhr, 641-484-2702, ext. 3, at least 48 hours prior to the event or dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunication relay services. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender. USDA and Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disability.