The Rhode Island Mycological Society was created to spread love and knowledge of all things fungi to the residents of Rhode Island. They hold a multitude of events, both for members and for the general public, in order to foster this fascination with the Kingdom of Fungi. They also run citizen science projects, where members of the community collect and report data to be used by scientists around the world – helping scientists get much more data than they ever could on their own!
Members collect information about the fungi in their yards, and public areas like local parks and forests. The society is open to everyone, whether you are a complete mycelium beginner or an expert in all things fungi, and everyone is likely to learn something new! A one-year membership is only $20 and includes everyone living at a single address.
Members can take part in exclusive forays, educational opportunities, workshops, picnics, and other fun events. They will also get access to educational lectures from The Northeast MycoConsortium, who provide Zoom lectures on a variety of topics by mycologists ranging from amateur enthusiasts to PhD educated.
On Friday, September 13 at 10:00am the society will be holding an event to allow the general public to learn more about fungi, with Deana Thomas and Alison Poole. The foray will be held at the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, before heading out fungi hunting in the forest.
Deana and Alison will be helping guests to look out for and identify the mushrooms and other fungi that grow in the forest around the museum, as well as talk about how fungi help the natural world stay healthy. Specimens collected throughout the walk will be brought back to the museum to sketch and learn from. If you do not wish to go out into the forest, you are welcome to sit in the wonderful scenery of the forest and sketch or paint.
All ages are welcome, and the event does not require pre-registration. The only payment needed is the price of museum admission.
