Introduction:
Fungi are vital and deliver essential services for a healthy ecosystem. They are in fact the giants in the natural ecosystems.
Anyone with an interest in fungi is welcome to join the Adelaide Fungal Studies Group (AFSG ) and no experience is required. Within the group there is always someone to share their knowledge. The information from fungi forays provides valuable information enabling and furthering the understanding of fungi.
Pam Catcheside started the AFSG in 2001 and Pam and the AFSG have achieved much over the past 20 years.
How to become involved
If interested please contact Anita Xian Convenor of AFSG atinadoow95@gmail.com
What happens in the AFSG?
Forays and surveys
A fungal foray is an expedition to look for fungi, to see the variety of fungi that are fruiting at the site visited and to consider their roles in the environment. Most forays are within an hour drive. It is easy slow walking suitable for all ages.
Fungal forays are conducted on a Saturday or Sunday between May to August, i.e. during the fungal season. Most forays are in Parks and Reserves in the Adelaide region.
There is no experience required to attend a fungi foray as we share our knowledge with participants. Children are welcomed but need to be accompanied by an adult.
Membership fees are low and minimal equipment necessary, a smartphone is most useful tool.
Meetings
Meetings are generally held on the Tuesday evening after forays at the Goodman Lecture theatre.
- Meetings are informal and friendly
- Specimens collected on the previous foray maybe examined
- Where possible, specimens are identified
- Macroscopic and microscopic characters are documented
- Speakers are organised for some meetings
- Suitable collections are conserved and deposited in the State Herbarium of South Australia
Members of AFSG must be members of FNSSA