Fungi play a crucial role in the ecosystem as decomposers, soil builders and nutrient cyclers. They also partner with at least 90% of plant species protecting them from disease, helping them to obtain nutrients and water and even communicate with other plants. Fungi are also an important food source for many animals. For humans, they are a source of food, medicine and even materials for packaging and construction. Fungi can also break down pollution and help remediate the environment.
Due to the current restrictions in Victoria, we have had to move our Mushroom Day program to an online event/s. Join us online on Saturday, June 12 between 10 am and 8 pm. The event will be recorded to available to watch for 6 weeks. We will also have extra opportunities for Q and A with the speakers over the 6 week period (schedule TBA).
We will have talks and workshops on many topics including:

• ecology and conservation

• mushroom cultivation

• mushroom medicines

• how to use iNaturalist

• how to use a microscope

• sequencing fungi and environmental DNA

• safe foraging of edible mushrooms

• poisonous look-alikes

• Integration

• natural dyeing

• myco-materials

This year’s Mushroom Day is being organised jointly by the Australian Psychedelic Society and MYCOmmunity Applied Mycology. Keynote speakers:
Dr Alison Pouliot - an ecologist, environmental photographer and honorary fellow at the Australian National University. Her research spans both northern and southern hemispheres where she is actively involved in fungal conservation andethnomycology, conducting over 400 fungus workshops and forays over the last two decades. Alison’s recent book, The Allure of Fungi (CSIRO Publishing) explores the natural and cultural curiosities of the fungal realm. Her new book (co-authored with mycologist Tom May) is the first field guide to edible fungi in Australia will be published later this year. More information is available at www.alisonpouliot.com
Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher is an ecologist who has a special interest in the conservation of biodiversity, particularly macrofungi and mosses. She has lived in Australia, New Zealand and Africa and is interested in these and similar landscapes around the world. She most enjoys spending time in bushland and working with community groups to help them understand the importance of fungi in maintaining health. www.funfungiecology.com