Project Rational
Fungi play critical roles in the functioning of healthy ecosystems
providing food for a variety of wildlife maintaining the health of plants and sequestering carbon into soils. However, fungi are one of the least studied groups of organisms in Australia.
The total estimated number of fungi occurring in Australia is at around 250,000 species with only about 5% described so far. Fungi are often not considered in fauna and flora surveys, and mycology as a degree has not been provided in Australian universities since the 70s. Yet fungi are primary indicators of ecosystem health and offer tremendous solutions to pollution clean-up, ecological restoration, food security and climate change.
Citizen Scientist Training
study, research and contribute data on the taxonomy and ecosystem function of fungi raise awareness about the benefits of mycology (the studying of fungi) make this science easily accessible to the Queensland community
Field and laboratory skills
data collection and recording experimental applications of beneficial fungi in the field and nurseries product development using fungi Fungal study techniques
isolation of fungi from decaying wood and plants
Experimental methodologies
data gathering, recording and presentation methods data assessment and statistical analysis
Trials and documentation
microcosms, Petri dishes and terrariums
Project Outcomes
Improved awareness of citizen science in mycological studies Easily accessible communication and education about fungi Growing citizen scientist community through collaboration and education Engaging scientists with citizen scientists during training in gathering data using scientific methods Applying scientific methodologies and equipment to the study of fungi Understanding the role of fungi in land restoration, plant health, cropping systems and revegetation efforts Providing methodologies and expertise in citizen mycology developing DIY mycology projects Anticipated discovery of new species of fungi during forays Isolating and cultivating native species of plant-beneficial fungi for use in nurseries and land restoration
Where and When
All activities take place at Woodfordia and other selected scheduled for the Saturday of the last weekend of each month and include
Educational presentations by professional mycologists Recording of data in the field Specimen identification, preparation for submission to the Qld Herbarium Recording collection details and submission to iNaturalist Isolation and cultivation of fungi 
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