Each year, wild mushroom consumption leads to illness and in some cases, even death. According to the most recently published National Poison Control Annual Report, Mushrooms ranked 19th on their top 25 substance categories with the greatest risk of exposure increase. 1,119 serious exposures from mushrooms were reported by national poison control in 2022 alone. Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents in the Purchase Region also noticed a substantial increase in mushroom identification related questions since the pandemic started in 2020.

On March 5th, 2024, ANR Agents from Marshall, McCracken, Calloway and Graves Counties offered a mushroom identification class with the goal of reducing local mushroom toxicity statistics. 72 participants attended the program. They enjoyed the instruction provided by Extension Forestry Specialist, Ellen Crocker, who walked them through the proper techniques for identifying wild mushrooms and the risks associated with miss identification and consumption.

Survey Results:

100% of surveyed participants reported gaining knowledge of proper mushroom identification. 97% reported they will apply what they learned to help them safely identify wild mushrooms. Participant’s survey comments included: 

-  Fascinating. We recently began to notice mushrooms on our hikes thanks to a friend and it's quite exciting.

-  Thank you for this class.

-  Thank you for putting this class on and I look forward to more about mushrooms.

-  Great Program

-  Thank you! (x3)

-  Her enthusiasm is contagious. Appreciate her sense of humor. Nice program!

-  Very good class for beginners

-  Great instructor! Very well done

-  Great Program! Learned a lot about mushrooms & foraging for them.

The four host agents were ecstatic to successfully provide an educational opportunity that could in turn save a life. These Agents look forward to continuing their efforts to offer non-traditional agriculture programs, like this one, meeting the ANR needs of everyone in their communities.