The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club (www.wpamushroomclub.org) will present two programs on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Fern Hollow Nature Center (www.fhnc.org), 246 Glenn Mitchell Road, Sewickley, PA 15143. "Introduction to Mushrooms", from 9a.m. to 12, will cover mushroom identification, Lincoff's 12 mushroom groups, good edibles, how to avoid potentially fatal toxic varieties, and how mushrooms contribute to the ecosystem.

"The Ascomycetes" is an advanced course from 1 to 4p.m. The Ascomycota include the famous edible morel mushroom and an odd assortment of various species sizes and shapes including cups, saddles, tongues, fingers and urns. They are characterized by a spore shooting ascus sac that distinguishes them from the spore dropping basidiomycetes. Come and learn about the common varieties found in our area.

To register for either course contact John Stuart at jons2art@verizon.net (724-443-6878). Cost is $5 for "Introduction to Mushrooms" and $10 for "The Ascomycetes", pay at the door.