This two-hour class will introduce participants to the basic biology of fungi and the critical role this kingdom plays in diverse ecosystems - from the saprobes that recycle organic material, to the mycorrhizal fungi associated with trees, forbs and grasses, and the parasites that kill. We will cover the common life-cycles and the different reproductive strategies including the major features needed to identify the macro-fungi (mushrooms) that we see in the field. We will also review the human uses of mushrooms, from food to dyeing fabric to toxic spill cleanup.