All you wanted to know about Fungi – two free events from BERG
BERG is delighted to invite you to two free events to help you learn more about fungi- an illustrated Seminar and a Workshop presented by ecologist Dr Alison Pouliot.
Bookings are essential. Select the one that suits you best. Booking via Try Booking (links below)
(Priority booking for BERG members until 31 March)
Unruly Renegades:
Exploring the Fungi of the Balcombe Estuary Reserves – an illustrated SEMINAR
Friday 14 April 6.00pm- 9.00pm
About the Seminar
Although little known, the roots of almost every plant in the Australian landscape are intimately entwined with fungi. These clandestine relationships extend beyond trees to include every orchid and most shrubs and grasses. Symbioses are the secret to success in our highly variable climate and nutrient-deficient soils.
Fungi not only help plants access water and nutrients, but also increase their resistance to drought and disease. They build architecture in soils, aerate them, and allow water to gently percolate to deeper horizons. Despite this, ‘the third F’ slips through ideas about nature and conservation that focus on flora and fauna.
Unruly fungal renegades contravene the frameworks we use to understand life. However, they might also inspire the innovative thinking needed to navigate an uncertain future.
In this illustrated and interactive seminar Alison will share insights from two decades spent in the field with fungi, both locally and across hemispheres, with a focus on local fungi from the Balcombe Estuary Reserves.
For more information and booking go to Try Booking:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1028175&
Encounters with Fungi WORKSHOP
Saturday 15 April 11.00am – 3.00pm
About the Workshop
This four hour workshop with both theoretical and practical components will introduce participants to the diversity, ecology and curiosities of the Kingdom Fungi, specific to fungi found in region but also within a wider Australian and international context.
It includes a 90 minute session around a specimen display table where participants will learn the basics of fungus identification, fungal ecology, and the natural and cultural history of fungi. Fungal specimens from the local area will be displayed, discussed and examined.
Following the indoor session will be an exciting two hour foray through various local habitat types to search for species of interest. Participants will learn to recognise the various diagnostic characteristics used to identify fungi in the field and understand their ecological significance in local ecosystems.
Participants are encouraged to bring along specimens for identification.
Participants are asked to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for the field trip, which will go ahead regardless of weather. The workshop field trip will include a maximum 2 km walk, predominantly on tracks, but may include some off-track walking.
A light lunch will be provided before we head off on the field trip.
Bookings essential
For more information and booking go to Try Booking:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1028193&
About the presenter
Dr Alison Pouliot is an ecologist and professional environmental photographer with a focus on fungi. Her work spans both northern and southern hemispheres ensuring two autumns and a double dose of fungi each year. Alison is actively involved in teaching, research and conservation, and has conducted over 700 forays and workshops in a dozen countries over the last two decades. Alison is author of The Allure of Fungi, co-author of Wild Mushrooming, and her new book on fungi, Underground Lovers, will be published in March 2023. www.alisonpouliot.comAll you wanted to know about Fung
MEA Meetings
Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month
7pm, Currawong Community Centre, Currawong St., Mornington 3931. Meeting Room 2.
Next meeting :-
Thursday 13 April 2023.
MEA Working Bee Dates :-
Friends of Beleura Cliff Path : 9.30 – 11.30 am: First Thursday of Month.
Contact : Peter Nicholson,beleuracliffpath@gmail.com
Friends of Fishermans Beach : 9 – 11 am : Last Thursday of Month.
Contact : Peter Deerson, pdeerson@netscape.net
Friends of Mills Beach : 9.30 – 11.30 am: Third Sunday or Monday of Month.
Contact : Brian Burrows, millsbeachfriends@gmail.com
Friends of Pine Avenue Reserve : 9 – 11 am : Third Friday of Month
Contact : Meg Caldwell, megcald@hotmail.com
Tanti Creek Friends : 9.30 – 11.30 am : Last Tuesday of Month.
Contact : Martin Lenard, tanticreekfriends@gmail.com