Central Tablelands Mycology May 2022
Mycology May is a regional collaboration between Central Tablelands Local Land Services, Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network, DPI Mycology team and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust NSW.
Collaborations - LP016-R006
The issue
What is the largest living organism in the world? It is Armillaria mellea, a species of Honey Fungus. It is thought that there could be in excess of 1.5 million fungal species in existence, but so far scientists believe that less than 5% of all fungi have been discovered. There is so little known about their biology and the critical role they play in ecosystems.
The solution
Liz Davis, RALF with Central Tablelands Local Land Services has been raising awareness about the role of fungi in biodiversity including agro-ecosystems for many years. In early 2022 Liz came up with the idea for Mycology May- a regional celebration, and community awareness raising through participatory research and education, and fun social experience. A working group was formed with Central Tablelands Local Landcare Coordinators from across the region, and within a very short space a time, an idea came to reality. May is classic mushroom growing season and across the region events were organised including fungi surveys, training and workshops on mushroom ID, and kicking it all off was wine, dinner and panel discussion with some of the world’s prominent fungi specialists.
The impact
More than 200 people were engaged across the May program including: 8 events in total: 2 x training sessions, Café Champignon dinner and talk, 5 x surveys.
This is the first region wide scale event for CTLLS/CTRLN Mycology May. Given the success and positive feedback received from participants and coordinators, the 2023 campaign is now in development! Here is what one participant had to say:
Loved how enthusiastic and passionate the panel was about fungi and it’s importance in todays environment and society! Excited to join more workshops next year :)
Key facts
- A whole of region approach, with working group established to foster strong collaboration and regional support
- Key expert engagement: Alison Pouliot and Water Jehne
- Surveys and data collection: survey sites included a range of National Parks, Box Gum Grassy Woodland, and a traveling stock route.
- Fungi specimens were collected, photographed, and recorded and will be scientifically tested for correct identification