Module 1

Introduction to Fungi

Homework

Create an iNaturalist account. This is how we share observations and discuss identification. It also helps us keep track of the seasonality of the fungi we find.

https://www.inaturalist.org/

Join the WVMS Funga Project. These projects are for our Study Group members only. We are interested in making observations of plants and fungi.

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/wvms-funga

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/wvms-plants

Prior to the first foray or group meeting please read the first 60 pages of Mushrooms Demystified by David Aurora or the introduction to your favorite reference book. Read the Introduction to Fungi, Chapter 1. Start learning the jargon to describe mushrooms and their habitat.

Download and print these annotated guides. They will help you learn the correct terminology to describe a mushroom.

Foray

Plan a foray with your group. You can used Doodle to help quickly vote on the schedule that works for everyone.

1) Decide on a place and time to go.

2) Meet up and caravan to the location or meet at the location.

3) Follow all WVMS Foray Safety protocols and take the Safety Class if you have not done so.

4) Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Adhere to social distancing rules as per Oregon State Health Department

5) Bring: basket, field voucher cards, pen, small compartmentalized container, wax bags, your own lunch, hand lens, or minimum 10x eye loupe, 6" scale in metric and English, compass/GPS, rain gear, first aid kit, watch and whistle.

6) Limit your forays to one hour.

Afterwards, plan on meeting together to discuss finds.

Some suggested foray locations are: Alsea Falls area, Mary's Peak, Mt. Hebo, or other such forested areas.

Group Discussion

Find a day/time that works for everyone to discuss your finds. These discussions are an important part of the learning process. If your group is having issues, please reach out and invite a Mentor to your discussion and we will help point you in the right direction.

Plan on a discussion that will last about 2-3 hours.

We suggest taking this first group discussion and keying out one of your mushrooms using Mushrooms Demystified. Everyone in the group will need their own copy of the book. As a group start on page 52 to begin your search.

Photographing a Mushroom

Creating good observations in iNaturalist is one of the main goals of this study group. As a group we are contributing to the ground level of studying fungi that can be useful to future generations to build on. Henry, Jeanie and Autumn created guides on how to photograph and observe fungi. Please start implementing these steps into your observations.

Photographing Fungi For Identification by Henry Young

Observing Macro Characters by Jeanie Taylor