A day in the life of fungi
A day in the life of fungi
Mycology Workshop - Understanding our local fungi & supportive practices.
Community Participation -
LEP23 - 005
The issue
Understanding the roles and impact fungi and their mycelial networks have within our environment is essential to supporting the natural cycle of our ecosystems. Through poor farming practices, deforestation and use of toxic chemicals these natural systems are put off balance. These imbalances then result in poor soil health, lost of moisture and erosion with a rapid decline in diversity and viability.
Fungi play intricate and important roles in sharing nutrients and communicating with plants and other organisms that live in the soil. These types of relationships are referred to as symbiotic relationships. Fungi assist in decomposing the resources around them creating rich and nutrient dense matter that goes back into soil creation. Without this wonderful and complex natural cycle the land becomes depleted.
The solution
Landcare NSW has partnered with NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust under the Private Land Conservation Matters project, to raise awareness and deliver education across the state.
Dunedoo Coolah Landcare hosted a hands on workshop with ecologist Alison Pouliot. Our aim was to engage our community participants in a fun filled and educational day out in the field. The workshop presented opportunities to discover and identify fungi that was present, discuss the important roles fungi and their mycelial networks have within our soil, the culinary uses and precautions when identifying, the indigenous cultural importance as a food and ceremonial resource, learning to mindfully interact and assess the landscape with discussions on solutions and supportive practices.
We believe the solution largely resides in education, connection and supporting sustainable regenerative agriculture and land restoration.
The impact
This workshop had a positive impact on the participants, gaining valuable knowledge and skills with deep connected discussions. It provided the opportunity to fully connect and immerse into the world of fungi and discover the possibilities for healthier ecosystems.
Learnings
As an interactive and engaged group we learnt that connection is key. Healthy diverse and supported interconnections are the foundations of resilient ecosystems and communities.
Key facts
- Mycology education is essential for sustainable and bio-diverse ecosystem support.
- Fungi and its mycelium are the communication and nutrient networks of the soil.
- Without the presence of fungi, our soils lack life. This leads to decrease in vegetation, loss of soil moisture and a lack of diversity and viability.