Decoding the Forest Floor: Unmasking Maine's Mycological Mysteries

Sometimes, even the most seasoned mushroom hunter struggles to tell two similar fungi apart. But new technologies are cracking these mysteries by revealing the unique "barcode" inside every mushroom that holds its true identity. This talk will demystify these modern scientific techniques, explaining how they're used to identify tricky cryptic species, uncover brand new ones, and map the fungal family tree of life. We'll explore the vital role that everyday mushroom hunters play through observations made on platforms like iNaturalist. You'll learn how your contributions can fuel these cutting-edge research and conservation efforts - but even better, they can also help you pinpoint your favorite edibles! Come learn how your backyard finds right here in Maine can provide vital specimens and data in this beginner-friendly talk. This talk will be hosted by the Maine Mycological Association and the Environmental Studies Program at Bowdoin College.

Sigrid Jakob is a passionate amateur mycologist from Brooklyn, New York. Formerly the president of the New York Mycological Society, she spends her time documenting the surprising fungal diversity of the Big Apple and her local cemetery. She's particularly keen on beautiful but overlooked fungi like the fiber caps or fungi growing on dung. A non-scientist, she's nonetheless been sequencing fungal DNA in her home lab for many years and is excited to share her knowledge with others.

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Michael DeLola

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