This course will familiarize students with mushroom science, and the fun of mushroom hunting culture, with an emphasis on the mushroom species of the Adirondacks that are considered "safe for beginners". But experienced mushroom hunters will also be pleased with how much can be learned from this course. Students in this class will go beyond the beginner level, learning how to observe and describe the finer details of fungi in the way a mycologist does, and how to track down certain mushroom species by knowing the kinds of trees found in the region. This knowledge will allow the students to increase the number of species they can identify and appreciate (and even eat, in some cases). We will study techniques for mushroom photography, collections, storage...and yes, delicious wild mushroom COOKING. Using wild mushrooms of the Adirondacks, we will demonstrate (and enjoy) various mushroom cooking concepts from around the world, as well as original wild mushroom cooking ideas from Ryan and Emily. Ryan's book: Gourmet Mushrooms of the Northeast will be available for $20 at the class.