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In Defense of Fungi

My argument for the necessity of Mycological Studies in the Master Naturalist Program

iNat: gregg29

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Rethinking Fungi

Mycelium- The vegetative, root-like network of hyphae (one cell wall thick)

Mycorrhizal- A symbiotic relationship between a filamentous fungus and the roots of a plant

Ectomycorrhizal- A type of mycorrhizal association in which mycelium forms a mantle around individual rootlets, and grows between cells of the root cortex

Endomycorrhizal- A type of mycorrhizal association in which mycelium grow between and within root cells (Also known as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi)

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Coreopsis>>>

<<<Gaillardia

Oenothera>>>

<<<Monarda

^^^Ratibada

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Mycology & Native Plants

Endomycorrhizal Fungi provide:

Water, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Magnesium, erosion control, support plants immune system, aids in plant communication, 1000x more absorbent area of soil aggregates, increases plant growth by 20%

Plants provide:

About 20% of the plant's photosynthetic output (Sugars)

http://website.nbm-mnb.ca/mycologywebpages/naturalhistoryoffungi/Glomeromycota.html

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Mycology and our Blackland Prairie

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Mycology and our Forests

“Wood-Wide Web”

Ectomycorrhizal Fungi aid in communication between trees, exchange of nutrients, act as carbon sinks

“Mother Trees” pass along excess nutrients to saplings via the Wood-Wide Web

https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/the-wood-wide-web/

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Fungi are the Original Master Naturalists!

Fungi are the quiet stewards of the land, capable of restoring entire ecosystems while asking for very little in return. Much like Master Naturalists they uphold the integrity of the land as an act of restorative rebellion against environmental crises. They work in tandem with each and every ecological system we've discussed throughout the Master Naturalist program and yet there is no real mention of them. Their humble servitude is, to me, reflective of our philosophies as Master Naturalists and I can think of no better representative for our mission than the Fungi!

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SUPER FUN(GI) SOURCES

SPUN- Society for the Protection of Underground Networks

is a scientific research organization founded to map mycorrhizal fungal communities and advocate for their protection.

NTMA- North Texas Mycological Association