by Bridget White
It is of utmost importance that we take time to notice and understand nature to work with it. The American philosopher of Science Norwood Russel Hanson said, “careful observation and clear thinking are the foundations of knowledge”. I belong to many marvellous mycologist Facebook groups. One of my favourites is the Australian and New Zealand Fungus Association.
Recently, while viewing a post, I was overcome with excitement as I spotted a Central Coast publication… a poster of detailed fungi photos of our local area. Immediately, I contacted the author, John Dani and was treated to the most wonderful conversation. John is a passionate bushwalker to preserve well-being. It has been on his frequent walks into many national parks that fungi sprang to his attention, along with detailed observations of native flora and insects. As Autumn is his favourite season to spot new species, it seemed fitting and exciting that I had spotted his publication.
John has delved into the symbiotic relationships between fungi and forest inhabitants as he learned of the different roles and varieties of the species. He enjoys the beauty of these short-lived, temporary decomposers. This has led him to create an amazing personal project, showcasing our fungi. The poster has gorgeous photos with keen observations and displays John‘s fascination with details. He enthused about Bracket fungi in Bouddi National Park, about sky-blue pink gills and others. The poster has a QR code which leads to more photos, website links and further scientific reading. This resource is one not to be missed.
As Permie’s, we firmly believe in encouraging our families in learning, through photography, observation and interaction. So, if you have a keen fungi hunter in your patch, perhaps they can start by using this poster as an identification focus point. They may well be able to identify the common species local to the Central Coast, and perhaps even join a local mycology group. John and I finished our conversation by sharing resources such as the Netflix movie “Follow the Rain”, which details a fungi journey with Stephen Axmore and his photographer partner, Catherine Marciniak. We also spoke about a festival that’s happening right now on the NSW South Coast: Fungi Feastival…Perhaps keen fungi lovers can meet up with John or me at the next gathering of fungi fanatics.
More information about the poster and details of bushwalking forays.