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Discover how citizen science helps us learn more about the amazing world of mushrooms when Rej Butzer presents "Mycology Citizen Science" at Audubon Community Nature Center's October 2 First Friday from 11 a.m. to noon.
Mycology is the study of fungus, including mushrooms, yeasts, and molds. Those interested can learn how to become a mycologist assistant through participation in the Fall Continental MycoBlitz - a mushroom collecting event to document North American macrofungal biodiversity.
A Bioblitz is a survey of all the organisms living in a given geographic area. A MycoBlitz is a similar survey, with the focus on fungi. Participants work to catalog as many species as they can from the survey area, during the survey period. Photos, notes, and specimens are submitted to a lab for DNA sequencing, which provides the most accurate and reliable identification.
The Fall Continental Mycoblitz is October 1-11. No experience is needed to participate, only the ability to venture outside, find mushrooms, take decent photos with a cell phone, and send a package in the mail. More information can be found at mycomap.org/mycoblitz.
Butzer can frequently be found outside photographing their discoveries, then researching their finds to continue growing their understanding of the natural world. Butzer has traveled cross country via bicycle from Kentucky to Texas, worked two hunting seasons as a technician with the Fish and Wildlife Department in Montana, and spent three months volunteering at a nature preserve in the Peruvian Amazon. They work at Royal Fern Nursery, which specializes in native perennials, trees, shrubs, seeds, and plant propagation, along with consultation and education.
Bring a packed lunch to visit with attendees and the speaker after the program. Butzer will lead a walk at 12:30 p.m. to find and document fungus on Audubon's property.
The fee is $8 or $6 for Nature Center members and children ages 9 to 15. Reservations are appreciated and can be made by calling 716-569-2345 or online through AudubonCNC.org/events. Walk-ins are welcome.