Back 40 November 2018 hike: Mushrooms

■ Edible, poisonous or medicinal? Let’s find out!

BELLA VISTA — Get out into the woods to hunt for and identify different types of mushrooms on the last of 2018’s Back 40 Story hikes.

The hike will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, meeting at the parking lot of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1 Lambeth Drive. After a short introduction, participants will be shuttled to the start of the hike and make their way to Blowing Springs to hunt for edible, poisonous and medicinal mushrooms, then spread out and discuss the finds for the day. Bring a sack lunch or a snack, if desired.

The hike will be led by “free-range, freelance” mycologist Jay Justice, a retired epidemiologist who formerly worked at the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. He is a co-founder and scientific advisor for the Arkansas Mycological Society (1982) and a scientific advisor to the Cumberland Mycological Society, as well as a chief mycologist for the Missouri Mycological Society.

This hike will be approximately 1.5 miles, with shuttle service returning to the church parking lot, and is moderately strenuous. Appropriate clothing and shoes are required. Participants should also bring insect repellent, sunscreen and water. The Back 40 Trails are singletrack, which means they are dirt, narrow and sometimes rocky or have exposed tree roots. The trails are not appropriate for strollers. Friendly dogs are welcome on a leash.

There is no cost for the hikes, which are presented by the city of Bella Vista.