By Robyn Dochterman

Recent rains have turned my backyard from a oven-baked crisp into a mycological wonderland. Mushrooms are literally popping up everywhere.

Remember that huge wood chip pile in my backyard from earlier this summer? Some of it is still there, and I was recently stunned to see something that looked just like coral growing in it. Turns out, it's an aptly named coral mushroom.

I've seen puffballs looking like giant kickballs in fields and mowed ditches near me too. And all kinds of little orange, big brown and in-between mushrooms appear -- and disappear -- like magic. A resourceful friend of mine forages for chantarelles and eats them like mad this time of year.

What interesting mushrooms have you seen in your yard, or out and about?

Would you consider eating them if you knew for sure they weren't poisonous?

I can't help you much there. But I bet the Minnesota Mycological Society can. Look for their exhibit in the Ag/Hort Building at the State Fair Aug. 27 and 28.

If you want first-hand experience recognizing a variety of fungi, think about attending a walk through the Mississippi River Gorge in Minneapolis with Bell Museum curator of fungi David McLaughlin. Call the Bell Museum for more information at 612-624-9050.