Module 10
ID on Demand
Homework
By now you and your group should have put together about 12 to 16 presentations on mushroom families. After learning about these families from your group, it is time to put some of that knowledge into the field. Gather your notes and head out into the field to ID on demand.
Post at least two specimens to your iNaturalist profile, and then share a link to the Observation in a group email.
Finally, since we will be incorporating a microscope in every session, continue working on making cross sections of a mushroom and see if you can get more practice at it. If you are getting consistent sections, then start to practice looking at your specimens under the microscope and describing what you are seeing.
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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 id cards, pen, small compartmentalized container, wax bags, your own lunch (no sharing), 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, go back to our own places to ID alone. Post-pandemic or when safe, plan on meeting together to discuss finds.
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Some suggested foray locations are: Hebo, Alsea Falls, Mary's Peak.
Group Discussion
During the pandemic we suggest using Google Meets or Zoom to have discussions. 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.
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After the pandemic or when it is safe, we highly suggest getting together for a group discussion and hands on learning event. Plan on a discussion that will last about 2-3 hours.
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On this foray you will be trying to ID mushrooms to the family and possibly genus in the field. Read the homework and bring a field guide*. Try practicing taking a spore print while on the foray. Bring a white index card, wax bag, and a knife to cut off the stipe. Don't forget to write down the habitat and weather conditions. Try and gather multiple specimens if you can. You should move through the forest together and say the name or take an educated guess. Discuss why you think this mushroom fits in those categories and then collect specimens to make a final ID. Make sure to take notes!
Resources
*Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest Steve Trudell
or
*All the Rain Promises and More David Arora
Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast Noah Siegel
iNaturalist.com
Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora
Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska edited by J. Pojar and A. Mackinnon
How to Identify Mushrooms to Genus III: Microscopic Features by David Largent, David Johnson and Roy Watling
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Check out our Resources Page for resources on mushroom families.