By RYAN SKAITH
With morel mushroom season underway, the Missouri Department of Conservation is hosting two virtual programs to help foragers sharpen their skills and stay safe in the woods.
The first session will take place from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31. MDC staff will cover the mushroom life cycle, preferred habitats, and the rules and regulations for foraging on public lands. Participants can register at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/215411.
For those unable to attend the evening session, a condensed "lunch and learn" program is scheduled for noon - 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. Registration for the April session is available at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/215412.
MDC says both webinars are free and open to all ages, though online registration is required.
MDC also provides a digital resource, "A Guide to Missouri’s Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms," for those looking to identify local fungi. The guide can be accessed at mdc.mo.gov.