The Montana Wilderness Association is sponsoring a free hike June 3 to teach about the mushrooms of the Kootenai National Forest, the group announced Wednesday.

Forester Chris Reichert will lead the hike, which starts at 9 a.m. June 3 at a to-be-determined location near Troy.

Reichert will identify forest pathogens, insects, fungi and other diseases that affect the forest ecosystem, a news release states. The group will hike through several field sites to observe the critical role that mushrooms play in our local forests.

Upon registering people will learn more about the hike, which will be approximately three miles long with less than 600 feet of elevation gain. Children over 10 years of age are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Hikers should bring food, water, good walking shoes and adequate clothing for the weather.

For more information or to register, visit wildmontana.org/walks or contact Grete Gansauer at 406-284-1747 or [email protected].