Fungi Foray with Hugues Massicotte

From October 22-23, 2022, Dr. Hugues Massicotte will be on S,DÁYES for EcoFair, an initiative organized by Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Pender Islands Conservancy, and PenderPOD. He will be leading two guided fungi forays through KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest near Razor Point, North Pender Island to introduce visitors and residents to the amazing biodiversity that lives on and below the forest floor! 

Hugues Massicotte is a botanist and mycologist who earned his PhD at the University of Guelph before relocating to British Columbia, where he worked as a Professor of Forest Biology at the University of Northern British Columbia for 26 years. Having recently retired, Dr. Massicotte is now an Emeritus Professor at UNBC. His research interests include the structure and biodiversity of mycorrhizae, tree and rhizosphere biology, and forest mycology. He has published extensively in a number of international scientific journals.

What is a fungi foray?

There are entire blended communities of amateur and professional fungi-loving folks who organize their whole fall-season around exploratory fungi hunting! These trips into the forest are often referred to as “forays.” The purpose of a fungi foray can be to hunt for edible mushrooms, collect specimens for scientific study, educate new fungi enthusiasts, or simply to enjoy the diversity of mushrooms. Known to last for as little as an hour, or as long as a week, it is important to be prepared for a fungi foray. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, including comfortable (and waterproof!) footwear, raingear, and plenty of water. Also, there are often opportunities to collect specimens for further inspection; if you plan to do so, a few items you might like to bring along include a basket, wax paper, and a knife for easy collecting. 

EcoFair fungi foray details

There are two chances to attend a fungi foray at KELÁ_EKE Kingfisher Forest. Attendance at each event will be capped at 15 people to ensure all participants are able to clearly hear and learn from Dr. Massicotte. Those interested can register on the EcoFair Eventbrite page.

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