Whether or not you are already enthusiastic about these lowly plants, read on. The beauty of mushrooms, their diversity, and their intricate lives are sure to intrigue. Mushrooms form part of the enormous group of organisms called fungi -- organisms defined by their habits of growth and their inability to make their own food. Like mosses and ferns, fungi reproduce by tiny spores rather than flowers and seeds. In many species, such as the amanitas, spores develop only on the underside of the cap. In others they are produced all over the surface or on the inside (puffballs).

Exploring for mushrooms, identifying them, and learning about how they live and grow gives a great deal of pleasure to many people, but others are attracted to mushrooms because they are free and exotic items of food. Be mindful that eating wild mushrooms is extremely risky, and none should be eaten in any amount or in any form unless it has been identified by an expert and declared safe. One danger in eating wild mushrooms is that poisonous species can be confused with edible species. Although the Chanterelle is often considered a "safe" species, it resembles in shape, color and spore a poisonous species which is deadly. While the differences may seem obvious, it is rare to have them both at hand for comparison. It is best not to be the first to sample for texture and flavor.