Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:20 -0700 (PDT)
From: Robert Sprenger
Subject: Mushrooms Bye Extension
Hi Al Cooke,
I am the someone you refer to as gathering like minded souls that enjoy these “things” called wild mushrooms. I am Robert, but you already know that. Having had the good fortune of being a farm boy, I am quite familiar with the Extension Service. In fact, some of my best friends are leading Agents, and I vote for funding every chance I get.
You are quite correct in cautioning people on reckless eating of wild mushrooms. That is the reason why it can be hard to find a group involved on this topic. Do you not know that we think about this all the time? It takes some some guts to deal with…..Why don’t you come out to a foray, and see for yourself. There is no fee $$$…….It’s a good time in the woods…..R
From: Al Cooke
Subject: Re: mushroom question
Kat,
As you have noticed, mushrooms show up periodically in our humid environment that they find favorable. In most cases, they are the reproductive stage of some fungus and many of them serve some valuable ecological function. (You knew that.) Some of them are edible, and someone on this list has been gathering like minded souls who recognize and enjoy these things.
But as someone else has reminded me, an untrained amateur can get in trouble quickly. I don’t even qualify as an untrained amateur in this field. But I think it’s worth reminding everyone who sees mushrooms in woods or landscape, that some of them (as well as some of our native flora) are highly toxic. There are many similar appearances and look-alikes. Even experienced experts have been known to get in trouble.
For those who have children who might try things they shouldn’t, there’s a good leaflet on how to handle the emergency without panic.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ pp/notes/General_Principles/ gpin004/gpin004..htm
alcooke
Al Cooke
Extension Agent, Horticulture
Chatham County Center
N.C. Cooperative Extension
PO Box 279, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.542-8202; Fax 919.542.8246
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/ chatham/staff/acooke/home.html