Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering its popular mushroom identification class this month in Brookings and Port Orford.

 The class – taught by Bob Burch – covers identifying local wild mushrooms as well as their basic characteristics and where to find them. Positive identification of edible and non-edible species is stressed, as well as preparation and preserving methods. The two-day class starts with an evening lecture, followed by a hike in the woods the next day to hunt for wild mushrooms. Students will be able to taste the mushrooms that are picked after the hike and registered students may bring mushrooms to class for identification.

 Cost of the class is $39 and sessions are scheduled the following times, dates and locations:

n 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Southwestern Brookings Center followed by a field trip from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at a location to be announced; and

n 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Port Orford City Hall followed by a hike from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, at a location to be announced.

 For more information or to register, those interested can contact the Southwestern Brookings Center at (541) 469-5017, Gold Beach Center at (541) 247-2741 or Port Orford Center at (541) 253-7553.