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Morels (Morchella species) are commonly harvested and eaten by amateur and professional mushroom hunters. However, the similar-looking false morels and their relatives the pig ears (Gyromitra species) are generally considered to be poisonous, largely because some (but not all) species contain the molecule gyromitrin. In the presence of stomach acid, gyromitrin is converted into methylhydrazine, a toxic component of rocket fuel. As a summer research project at Yakima Valley College, we explored the toxicology of true and false morels and pig ears to determine which local species had gyromitrin or other toxic molecules.Claire Carpenter once spent a winter at a research station in Antarctica and a summer on a sailboat in the Galapagos. Now she teaches biology at Yakima Valley College and raises goats and boys and free-range vegetables. She wanders sagebrush-covered ridges with her dog, dreaming of future adventures, and roams the streets of Yakima on a green bicycle, reciting poems to herself.
Free to current members and $5.00 for guests. We encourage you to register ahead of time. Room at the event is limited. Member check-in and guest tickets may be available at the door if seats are available.
Doors open at 6:30
Meeting will start at 7:00 PM. We'll hold our regular membership meeting and the presentation will begin shortly thereafter
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Dr, Yakima, WA 98901-8513, United States,Yakima, Washington
Tickets
