This course goes for approximately 5 weeks. Each class is on a Wednesday evening, 1-2 hours long from 6:30 pm AEDT (Victorian time). All classes will be recorded and available to watch afterwards (time dependent on the presenter) for people who can't make the class or would like to revise. Learn all about the complex interactions between fungi and animals including: Insects that farm fungi Insects that live in mushrooms Fungi that trap insects Animals that eat fungi and lichen Birds that use fungi in their nests Animal and insect pathogens Zombie fungi Fungi using animals to disperse their spores The first class on October 23 will be an introductory session including an intro to mycology for those who have not done other mycology courses. Your teachers Dr. Vivian Sandoval is an entomologist passionate for the taxonomy and biology of insects associated with fungi, such as leaf-cutter ants and mycetobiont beetles. Vivian works for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries with market access and fruit fly post-harvest disinfestation research. In her spare time, Vivian is foraging for fungi in order to study the complex biology of their inhabitants, with the support of the QLD Mycological Society. She is also the artist behind "Bugs and Beads", a gift shop specialised in insect/fungi inspired accessories, jewellery, stationary and educational resin blocks. Vivian wants to increase appreciation for insects and fungi, raise awareness, change negative perceptions and entomophobia with her products. Ema Corro is a founding member and coordinator of Mycommunity Applied Mycology. She has over a decade experience cultivating mushrooms and has researched mycomaterials and their properties at RMIT. Her main area of interest is fungal ecology and how it relates to land management and has contributed to the Fungi for Land project. She also has experience using environmental DNA to monitor fungi. She is currently studying a Master of Environmental Science and Management at UNE looking at using fungivorous animal scats to promote mycorrhizal fungi and plant-health in revegetation areas. Emily McIntyre is a graduate of a Masters of Ecosystem Management and Conservation, where her thesis explored the effect of biotic and environmental variables on soil fungi across an elevational gradient. She is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Melbourne, where she is studying the diversity and ecology of hypogeous fungi in south-eastern Australia. Her research explores the distribution and diversity of these fungi and their mutualistic relationship with the endangered Long-Footed Potoroo. She is also currently undertaking research through MYCOmmunity's Wild Fungi DNA Project to examine the effect of storm damage on soil fungi within Wombat Forest. Emily is most interested in learning about the interactions that fungi have with plants, animals, and abiotic factors, to better understand how ecosystems function. Melvin Xu Researcher at University of Melbourne on Entomopathogenic fungi, Vice President & volunteer at MYCOmmunity and Coordinator of the Fungi Group of Field Naturalist Club Victoria. Working in Council, Landcare, and volunteer groups, begun his home propagation from his own Australian Native Terrestrial Orchids and their symbiotic fungi. With his own stock of fungi and seeds hope to develop new protocols to include fungi into local nursery and future conservation of native Orchids. Max Campbell is President of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria (FNCV) and an expert on terrestrial invertebrates. For more info email mycommunity@myco.org.au MYCOmmunity is an NFP and all profits from these courses help keep our community lab open and fund citizen-science projects. If you need a payment plan or other accomodation please contact mycommunity@myco.org.au

Orchids include the most diverse and highly evolved plants on earth. This event will provide an introduction to orchids, their roles in the ecosystem and all the basics you need in order to cultivate them and their symbiotic fungal partners. This event will include: - A presentation on how orchids fit into our ecosystem and their roles as indicator species  - A discussion and breakdown of orchid structure, physiology, pollinatino and associations - A hands-on workshop on how to isolate symbiotic orchid fungi and sew orchid seeds - Take home an orchid Dendrobium kingianum Book early as places are limited! Your teacher: Melvin Xu is a mycologist and orchid enthusiast. He has researched Cordyceps fungi at Melbourne uni and has experience working in land management including with native orchids. He has experience cultivating orchid fungi and currently has several hundred orchids in his collection.  

Orchids include the most diverse and highly evolved plants on earth. This event will provide an introduction to orchids, their roles in the ecosystem and all the basics you need in order to cultivate them and their symbiotic fungal partners. This event will include: - A presentation on how orchids fit into our ecosystem and their roles as indicator species  - A discussion and breakdown of orchid structure, physiology, pollinatino and associations - A hands-on workshop on how to isolate symbiotic orchid fungi and sew orchid seeds - Take home an Dendrobium kingianum Book early as places are limited! Your teacher: Melvin Xu is a mycologist and orchid enthusiast. He has researched Cordyceps fungi at Melbourne uni and has experience working in land management including with native orchids. He has experience cultivating orchid fungi and currently has several hundred orchids in his collection.  

ONLINE Times and dates TBA Waiting list for new course in development, expected release in September. Signing up means you get early notification for ticket release. Expected costs (may change depending on course length and ticket type): $150-$250 Learn all about the complex interactions between fungi and animals including: Insects that farm fungi Insects that live in mushrooms Fungi that trap insects Animals that eat fungi and lichen Birds that use fungi in their nests Animal and insect pathogens Zombie fungi Fungi using animals to disperse their spores Your teachers Dr. Vivian Sandoval is an entomologist passionate for the taxonomy and biology of insects associated with fungi, such as leaf-cutter ants and mycetobiont beetles. Vivian works for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries with market access and fruit fly post-harvest disinfestation research. In her spare time, Vivian is foraging for fungi in order to study the complex biology of their inhabitants, with the support of the QLD Mycological Society. She is also the artist behind "Bugs and Beads", a gift shop specialised in insect/fungi inspired accessories, jewellery, stationary and educational resin blocks. Vivian wants to increase appreciation for insects and fungi, raise awareness, change negative perceptions and entomophobia with her products. Ema Corro is a founding member and coordinator of Mycommunity Applied Mycology. She has over a decade experience cultivating mushrooms and has researched mycomaterials and their properties at RMIT. Her main area of interest is fungal ecology and how it relates to land management and has contributed to the Fungi for Land project. She also has experience using environmental DNA to monitor fungi. She is currently studying a Master of Environmental Science and Management at UNE looking at using fungivorous animal scats to promote mycorrhizal fungi and plant-health in revegetation areas. Emily McIntyre is a graduate of a Masters of Ecosystem Management and Conservation, where her thesis explored the effect of biotic and environmental variables on soil fungi across an elevational gradient. She is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Melbourne, where she is studying the diversity and ecology of hypogeous fungi in south-eastern Australia. Her research explores the distribution and diversity of these fungi and their mutualistic relationship with the endangered Long-Footed Potoroo. She is also currently undertaking research through MYCOmmunity's Wild Fungi DNA Project to examine the effect of storm damage on soil fungi within Wombat Forest. Emily is most interested in learning about the interactions that fungi have with plants, animals, and abiotic factors, to better understand how ecosystems function. Melvin Xu Researcher at University of Melbourne on Entomopathogenic fungi, Vice President & volunteer at MYCOmmunity and Coordinator of the Fungi Group of Field Naturalist Club Victoria. Working in Council, Landcare, and volunteer groups, begun his home propagation from his own Australian Native Terrestrial Orchids and their symbiotic fungi. With his own stock of fungi and seeds hope to develop new protocols to include fungi into local nursery and future conservation of native Orchids. For more info email mycommunity@myco.org.au MYCOmmunity is an NFP and all profits from these courses help keep our community lab open and fund citizen-science projects.

Workshop Working with your soil type is essential to building healthy soils. In this workshop you will learn about Australian soil types, how you can improve them and their impacts on what plants you can grow. You will learn about the physical processes that affect soil health and how having a diverse soil microbiome is essential to support nutrient cycles and plant growth. Practical techniques This workshop will cover some of the basics of soil description in the field using the Australian Soil Classification. These field techniques will allow you to be able to better assess the health of your soils and actions such as the application of soil amendments, such as lime, gypsum, and organic matter. Allowing you to minimise some of the limitations that might affect your soil. Or enable you to better plan your land use and plant selection to work with the limitations of soils. About the presenter Beau Picking has a background in environmental science and mycology. Beau has worked at the University of Melbourne for over ten years with a focus on teaching, and some research activity. Topics taught including biology, botany, environmental science, and most recently soil science as part of the agriculture degree. About the organisers This is a joint event between the non-profit organisations Mycommunity and BioQuisitive. Proceeds go to encouraging and facilitating citizen-science through education, research and resources.

This online course covers the fundamental aspects of mycology and fungal ecology. Classes will be live and recorded for people to re-watch later. Fundamentals of biology Fungal diversity and different types of fungi How to identify fungi Roles of fungi in the ecosystem including as decomposers and  How fungi interact with other organisms including relationships with plants and animals The course will run for 7 weeks and each class is around 1-1.5 hours long including Q and A. The classes will be on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-7:30(ish)pm. Your teachers Ema Corro is a founding member and coordinator of Mycommunity Applied Mycology. She has over a decade experience cultivating mushrooms and has researched mycomaterials and their properties at RMIT. Her main area of interest is fungal ecology and how it relates to land management and has contributed to the Fungi for Land project. She also has experience using environmental DNA to monitor fungi. She is currently studying a Master of Environmental Science and Management at UNE looking at using fungivorous animal scats to promote mycorrhizal fungi and plant-health in revegetation areas. Emily McIntyre is a graduate of a Masters of Ecosystem Management and Conservation, where her thesis explored the effect of biotic and environmental variables on soil fungi across an elevational gradient. She is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Melbourne, where she is studying the diversity and ecology of hypogeous fungi in south-eastern Australia. Her research explores the distribution and diversity of these fungi and their mutualistic relationship with the endangered Long-Footed Potoroo. She is also currently undertaking research through MYCOmmunity's Wild Fungi DNA Project to examine the effect of storm damage on soil fungi within Wombat Forest. Emily is most interested in learning about the interactions that fungi have with plants, animals, and abiotic factors, to better understand how ecosystems function. Melvin Xu Researcher at University of Melbourne on Entomopathogenic fungi, Vice President & volunteer at MYCOmmunity and Coordinator of the Fungi Group of Field Naturalist Club Victoria. Working in Council, Landcare, and volunteer groups, begun his home propagation from his own Australian Native Terrestrial Orchids and their symbiotic fungi. With his own stock of fungi and seeds hope to develop new protocols to include fungi into local nursery and future conservation of native Orchids. For more info email mycommunity@myco.org.au MYCOmmunity is an NFP and all profits from these courses help keep our community lab open and fund citizen-science projects.

Learn the basics of growing mushrooms. This beginner friedly workshop will focus on methods that don’t require expensive equipment or a science background. You will learn about: The mushroom grow cycle Different types of mushrooms you can grow Making spore prints How to work with agar and liquid culture Aseptic technique Kitchen cultivation techniques Grain spawn and bulk substrate Fruiting your mushrooms At the end of the workshop, everyone will leave with a mushroom grow bag and cultures to take home. Saturday, July 27 at BioQuisitive in Brunswick. MYCOmmunity is a non-profit organisation aiming to make scientific education and resources available to citizen mycologists. Profits go to citizen science projects. For more information contact mycommunity@myco.org.au Your teacher: Ema Corro is a mycologist with over 10 years of experience in mushroom cultivation, including in commercial mushroom production in Australia and Vietnam, and through researching and developing myco-materials at RMIT. She regularly teaches courses and workshops on various aspects of mycology including science, cultivation and identification.

Many mushrooms can't be identified by macro features alone. Using a microscope to view spores and other microscopic features is essential to identifying these kinds of fungi. Good quality microscopes have become affordable to amateurs, or they can be used at community science centres such as the BioQuisitive Lab. This workshop is suitable for beginners to intermediate. You will learn: - How to use different types of microscopes including compound, stereo, oil immersion lens and camera attachments. - The different parts of the mushroom and how to use them for identification. - Microscopic structures; how to recognise them, what they are and how to use them in identification. - How to prepare slides, including rehydrating dried samples, taking samples from different parts of the mushroom to view different features, using stains, making a spore print, etc. If you have a mushroom you want identified please bring it along! There are also options for doing further tests such as DNA barcoding, which can be discussed with anyone who is interested. Joint fundraiser for BioQuisitive and Mycommunity. There are limited tickets so please book ahead!

Join us for a fungi foray! Greg Boldiston has extensive experience in identifying mushrooms and runs regular mushroom walks in Mt Macedon. This foray will focus on identifying fungi in native forests and you will also learn to record them for conservation purposes using the iNat app. Exact location to be announced closer to the day. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. All proceeds of this foray go to support the Wild Fungi DNA project https://myco.org.au/wild-dna-project/  

Join us for a fungi foray! Greg Boldiston has extensive experience in identifying mushrooms and runs regular mushroom walks in Mt Macedon. This foray will focus on identifying fungi in native forests and you will also learn to record them for conservation purposes using the iNat app. Exact location to be announced closer to the day. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. All proceeds of this foray go to support the Wild Fungi DNA project https://myco.org.au/wild-dna-project/  

Mycelial Methodologies: How to think with fungi Places limited! This speculative workshop looks at fungi and lichen as networked and collaborative entities with a lot to teach humans about trans-species collaborations, non-human perspectives, radical collectivity and alternate notions of time: in other words, ecological modes of living. We take off from recent books published at the nexus of art and philosophy: Let's become fungal!: mycelium teachings and the arts by Yasmine Ostendorf-Rodríguez, and The Lichen Museum, by A. Laurie Palmer. We hope to collectively engage with concepts from the books and tease out their social, artistic and environmental applications. Tessa Laird is a writer, artist and lecturer in art theory living on Wurundjeri Country. She has written a book on colour and a book on bats and is currently writing a book about animal aesthetics in experimental film. Andrew Goodman is an artist, writer, gardener and lecturer in art and art theory, living on DjaDja Wurrung Country who has exhibited their "mushroom computer" in Melbourne and Sydney and is planning to take it to Sao Paulo soon...

Please DO NOT sign up for this unless you are a confirmed volunteer or stallholder (email mycommunity@myco.org.au for more info) This is a volunteers registration page for the Moorabool Mushroom Festival. We need people's emergency contacts etc.