April 14, 2019 Bioblitz on the Wayne National Forest
There will be a number of opportunities this year to participate in bioblitz activities with Ohio Mushroom Society. Bioblitz is an effort to describe as many species as possible at a particular site. The information generated from such efforts is valuable in many ways. It allows property owners to compile a comprehensive list of species which can be helpful in protecting native species, managing invasive species, and planning land management strategies. Participation in a bioblitz helps visitors to the land understand features of that environment, and allows them to contribute to scientific understanding of the ecology. Often people that are knowledgeable in particular areas of science form teams that work together to find and identify as many species as they can.
In the case of our bioblitz activities this year we will foray for mushroom collection and identification as usual at the sites, and then contribute photographs and/or a list of species to the group hosting the bioblitz.
Opportunities to bioblitz this year will be June 14 at Towner’s Woods Park (private property), and June 9, July 13, August 25, September 15, October 13, and November 3 at the Athens district of the Wayne National Forest. Please see the Events page, and contact event leaders for details and to RSVP.
Our first biolblitz of the year attracted over 20 people, and we were able to name or photograph 24 fungal species. We visited a beautiful site at the Wayne National Forest and saw many spring wildflowers, a big box turtle, and lots of birds and insects as well as taking home some mushrooms for dinner. For our second biolblitz, at a different site on the Wayne, 11 people helped to collect and identify 25 fungal species. Our forays were part of a two year effort to document as many species as possible on the Wayne. On both days we had wonderful spring weather, explored new territory, and met new friends on our hikes.
So why not get out in the woods try some bioblitzes this year? This is your chance to contribute to the greater good, meet some kindred spirits, and learn about fungi while practicing our favorite pastime- mushroom hunting!
May 19, 2019 Bioblitz on the Wayne National Forest
– Martha Bishop
Ohio Mushroom Society 