Well-known local mycologist Greg Marley will explain some lesser-known uses of mushrooms during a Camden presentation on April 6.

Marley will focus on the use of mushrooms as medicine during the talk, which will take place at the Merryspring Nature Center at 7 p.m.

Many species of mushrooms found in mid-coast forests, especially some of the more durable wood-rotting conks, are showing great potential as immune-system boosters and are being used to treat cancer and other ailments, according to a news release promoting Marley’s presentation.

Marley has spent much of the past winter reviewing the results of the most recent scientific studies, as well as traditional and folkloric uses of important species, and will introduce his audience to the most important medicinal mushrooms.

Marley will also share tips on how to present mushroom medicine in the form of good-tasting food and drink, and samples of his own “Chaga Chai” will be available for tasting.

Marley has been sharing his knowledge of mushrooms throughout the mid-coast area for the past two decades. He serves as an emergency consultant for the Maine Poison Control Center, and hundreds of people have heard him talk or accompanied him on mushrooming forays.

Admission is free to Merryspring members, and $5 for non-members. Marley’s presentations often fill the Ross Center, so people are encouraged to show up early.

Friends of NRA banquet set

If you’re a hunter, a fan of the shooting sports or a gun collector, you may want to join some folks who share your passion for firearms at an upcoming event.

The Friends of NRA banquet and auction will be held April 22 at the Bangor Conference Center on Hogan Road. The evening begins at 6 p.m.

For more information, call Tony Richard at 827-3440.

To submit an item for publication in the Outdoor Notebook, send e-mail to jholyoke@bangordailynews.net, fax to 990-8092 or mail information to Outdoor Notebook, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor, Maine, 04402-1329.