Module 2

Learning to Observe

Homework

Your assignment this week is to practice keying out a mushroom or two before the next study session. Print out attached pages on describing a mushroom. Upload your observations to iNaturalist. Remember to take a spore print, fill out a field card and write down your best description of the mushroom(s). This will be a great chance to learn what is fruiting in your yard or local parks!

There is an additional assignment of learning the Family classifications. In Mushrooms Demystified, read the descriptions about the following Families Russulaceae; Cortinariaceae; Gomphidiaceae; Polyporaceae; Clavariaceae; and Discinaceae. Also study the following descriptions about the genera Lactarius; Cortinarius; Inocybe; Phaeocollybia; Gomphidius; and Peziza. As you read through these, you should begin to see where you would like to specialize.

Presentations: Pick one of the genera listed above and create a presentation for the rest of the study group. Please include the following:

10 min max
Classification, Kingdom, Division, Subdivision, Class, Order, Family, Genus and species
Identifying features of that genus
2 examples of species in that genus
Habitat
Season
Toxic?

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Discuss your notes and findings on the readings, learn how to say the names. This is a great time to practice your Latin and have fungi conversations.