AMES, IA - Iowa State University Extension is offering a  certification class for mushroom gatherers and wild-harvested mushroom sellers from across the state.

In-person workshops for  The Wild-Harvested Mushroom Certification Class are scheduled March 23, April 6 and April 20. Visit ISU extension and outreach to register.

There are eight wild varieties in Iowa that are legal to sell, but a certification class is required.

According to Chelsea Harbach, plant disease diagnostician with ISU Extension and Outreach, it is essential to distinguish commonly harvested mushroom species from look-alikes, as people can be poisoned by eating misidentified mushrooms.

Additional resources on safe mushroom harvesting are also available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.