Local plant biologist Dr. Rebecca Knowles is leading a series of workshops and field experiences at Bemidji State University to examine the various mushrooms and lichens found in northern Minnesota.

The four-part course, which does not require any background in science, will take place each Tuesday from July 29-Aug. 19 and includes on-campus workshops at Bemidji State and some field excursions to Lake Bemidji State Park. Participants should arrange their own transportation for the field trips. The series is being offered for $15 per session; however, participants can register for all four parts of the series for just $45. Registration is available online at http://bit.ly/1r6C6Rm.

Knowles, from Hines, Minn., recieved her doctorate in plant biological sciences from the University of Minnesota and researched the roles of lichens in northern forests during her graduate studies. She has worked for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe seeking to protect and restore native place communities on the Leech Lake Reservation and in the Chippewa National Forest. Recently, Knowles founded Research Reveals!, acting as medium between scientific research and various audiences.

Week One: July 29
The first week of the series features an overview of fungi, including the biology and ecological roles of club mushrooms, cup fungi and slime molds. This session includes lectures and labs on the BSU campus and a field trip to search for forest fungi at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Week Two: Aug. 5
The second part of the series features an overview of lichens, including the biology and ecological roles of green algae, cyanobacteria and lichens. This session includes lectures and labs on the BSU campus and a field trip to search for forest lichens at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Week Three: Aug. 12
This session focuses on the identification of fungi, including species-specific characteristics and microscopic examination of club mushrooms, cup fungi and slime molds. This session includes lectures and labs on the BSU campus and a field trip to search for forest fungi at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Week Four: Aug. 19
The series concludes with a session on the identification of lichens, including species-specific characteristics and microscopic examination of lichens. This session includes lectures and labs on the BSU campus and a field trip to search for forest lichens at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Contact
• Angie Gora, BSU summer programs director; (218) 755-2851

Links
• BSU Summer, @SummerBSU on Twitter
• Mushrooms and Lichens series registration