I first studied fungi in-depth during the 'capstone' project of my undergraduate degree, a literature review on bioremediation. In writing that paper, fungi were producers of enzymes capable of biochemically-interesting feats to me, but I never really "got to know" them outdoors fully. Being in WMS, going on forays, and now with these projects, I feel I am learning more every day from other members and people around the world, for which I am thankful.
The first WMS meeting I attended was in March of 2019. In that night's presentation, Alden Dirks discussed the relative lack of fungi conservation and how community science survey projects can bring fungi out of the shadows and guide our efforts to be good friends with our planet. This past year I have worked together with other members to help keep WMS active with getting the Zoom meetings going, starting and managing our projects on iNaturalist, and now pitching in wherever I can as part of the board. Whether on iNaturalist, Mushroom Observer, or elsewhere, we as mycological enthusiasts are not just contributing, but also have a great focus for learning & connecting with each other any day, from anywhere. This will hold true as important to WMS long after pandemic conditions are over, I think.
It is these sorts of educational, scientific, and outreach projects I have as my focus, including collaboration with FunDiS and getting out into our wider communities as educators & learners. If you have an idea or request, please do reach out to me by email or on iNaturalist through the messages. All WMS projects on iNaturalist are listed here. As you can see we have three years of virtual forays now, 2020 and 2021 and 2022.
All can be browsed with or without an account! Just click around to find the fungi. If you want to join the projects, any time is good, accounts are completely free, and help getting oriented is available. We also have a new section on the WMS website discussing the site and observations.
The first WMS meeting I attended was in March of 2019. In that night's presentation, Alden Dirks discussed the relative lack of fungi conservation and how community science survey projects can bring fungi out of the shadows and guide our efforts to be good friends with our planet. This past year I have worked together with other members to help keep WMS active with getting the Zoom meetings going, starting and managing our projects on iNaturalist, and now pitching in wherever I can as part of the board. Whether on iNaturalist, Mushroom Observer, or elsewhere, we as mycological enthusiasts are not just contributing, but also have a great focus for learning & connecting with each other any day, from anywhere. This will hold true as important to WMS long after pandemic conditions are over, I think.
It is these sorts of educational, scientific, and outreach projects I have as my focus, including collaboration with FunDiS and getting out into our wider communities as educators & learners. If you have an idea or request, please do reach out to me by email or on iNaturalist through the messages. All WMS projects on iNaturalist are listed here. As you can see we have three years of virtual forays now, 2020 and 2021 and 2022.
All can be browsed with or without an account! Just click around to find the fungi. If you want to join the projects, any time is good, accounts are completely free, and help getting oriented is available. We also have a new section on the WMS website discussing the site and observations.
|
If You Suspect a Poisoning
If you suspect you have consumed a poisonous mushroom, contact a physician, the closest hospital ER, poison control center, or dial 911, depending on the severity of the reaction. US Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 The North American Mycological Association (NAMA) has information that may also be of help. Click here. We do not ID mushrooms through this website.
If you are in need of an ID consider uploading quality photos with multiple views of your specimen and descriptions of your find to Mushroom Observer or iNaturalist including our projects or post in Wild Food Wisconsin or Mushroom Identification Group. If you contact us and provide a way to get back to you, we may be able to provide suggestions for more identification resources you can use. You are always responsible for your own decisions taken on the basis of identification resources. |
Wisconsin Mycological Society
Wisconsin Mycological Society (WMS) is dedicated to the study and enjoyment of mushrooms and other fungi throughout the state of Wisconsin. Education, safety, sustainability, community, and connecting with nature are our goals.
|