There's something addictive about hunting for fungi

The projects's fungi leaders take small groups of people and show them how to recognise the signs of fungi emerging from leaf litter or pushing through soil. Often a leader will know what the fungus is and what role it plays in the bushland, but sometimes there are new discoveries to be made.

Using simple surveying equipment and the Fungi Field Book, PUBF documents the diversity, abundance and distribution of fungi. While there is little knowledge about many aspects of fungi, the baseline data collected by PUBF contributes to information held at the WA Herbarium for future scientific programs. To learn more about the species see our Field Book.

Check out the planned events in the Events Diary and make a booking.

Whether you join a walk or workshop you will join a small team and participate in a fungi survey. The team works together doing various survey tasks, such as recording field notes, operating the GPS, taking close-up photos and spotting fungi.

Each foray group is under the leadership of an experienced PUBF leader and the overall activity is guided by the PUBF. Collected specimens are either returned to the bushland or 'vouchered' and placed in the WA Herbarium for permanent reference.

You do not need to have any prior experience to join in, just an interest in fungi and we'll help with the rest. Please be aware that a current DEC flora collecting licence is required to collect fungi. When you join a PUBF event you are covered by PUBF's licence.

Walks

Join PUBF for a fungi walk in one of Perth's urban bushland reserves. In this informative two hour stroll you will discover a diverse range of fungi - you might see the tiny Eyelash Fungus, the prominent Golden Wood Fungus, or the fascinating Red Fingers. Our experienced leaders will show you where to look for fungi and explain why they are important to the health of our bushland.

These events cater for all ages and levels of experience and will go ahead regardless of the weather conditions.

When:  Walks are held on weekends during winter from 10 am until 12:00 pm.

What to bring:  Camera, comfortable walking shoes, clothes to suit the weather and a snack.

Cost:  Free - donations welcome

Workshops

If you are already interested in fungi and you want to deepen your knowledge, come along to one of our fungi workshops.

Workshops are all day events in which you spend the morning searching for fungi with us and the afternoon learning about the different groups of fungi and the vouchering process. Throughout the day you will learn about the role of fungi in bushland and the importance of fungi to bushland health and management. You will also contribute to the fungi collection at the WA Herbarium.

When:  Workshops are held on weekends during winter from 10 am until 3:30 pm.

What to bring:  Camera, comfortable walking shoes, clothes to suit the weather and your lunch.

Provided: Hot drink after the foray

Cost:  Free - donations welcome

Volunteers

We have a volunteer program which is already proving to be popular. We encourage volunteers to assist us in the field during the fungi season and also assist us all year round at the Western Australian herbarium. It is best to come along to some of our events and learn what the project is about and what is involved to see if you would like to become a regular volunteer. To register as a volunteer contact the DEC WA Herbarium on 9334 0500.