Slow Mushrooming – An Ecological Approach to Foraging
Foraging for fungi is on the rise in Australia. The thrill of the ‘hunt’ is deeply instinctive offering the chance to discover old traditions, new terrains, and tasty fare. It is also controversial. Unlike in other countries, we have only scant knowledge of the edibility and toxicity of Australian fungi. This dearth of information brings with it both the risk of poisoning and environmental harm.
How can we develop an ethic and understanding around foraging in Australia that prioritises the protection of fungi and their habitats and minimises poisoning risk to foragers?
Slow mushrooming is a careful and considered approach to foraging that advocates learning fewer species thoroughly rather than many superficially. It encourages a deep understanding of ecosystem dynamics and the potential implications of foraging. It explores ways to unite conservation and foraging by examining Australia’s unique mycota and conservation initiatives informed by knowledge and foraging practices internationally.
In the presentation Alison will share her experiences of living across hemispheres, working alongside mycologists and ecologists, foragers and forayers, conservationists, traditional owners and others and the many different approaches to understanding and foraging for fungi.
This in exciting time where foragers and other mycophiles have the opportunity to shape the way foraging will unfold Downunder. In doing so, we have the possibility to avert the environmental, social and cultural issues that have arisen elsewhere in the world.
Alison Pouliot Bio
Alison Pouliot is an ecologist, author and environmental photographer with a focus on fungi. She is active in Australian and international fungal conservation and her writing and images appear in both academic and popular literature (alisonpouliot.com). Her recent book The Allure of Fungi (CSIRO Publishing) poses fundamental questions about human-fungus liaisons. Her upcoming book co-authored with Tom May is the first guide to edible fungi in Australia and will be published in early 2021.
This event is a fundraiser for the Wild Fungi DNA project. Any donation is very much appreciated.
The Zoom link will be sent out 15 minutes before the event. Please download and install Zoom before hand.
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Recommended donation | $25.00 | Sale Ended |
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Donation | $100.00 | Sale Ended |
124 Weston St, Brunswick East, Victoria, 3057, Australia