We learn about the miracle of fungi, from mushrooms, to yeast, to mold on your shower curtain. Fungi are in a vast yet little-known kingdom of their own, closer to animals than plants, and one of the oldest and largest organisms on earth. In addition to tasty mushrooms foraged in fall, we learn about the important role fungi plays in the ecosystem, their relationship to trees, and promising areas of research for the future.
GUESTS:
- Dave Anderson: Senior Director of Education for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
- Rick Van de Poll: practicing amateur mycologist and President of the Northeast Mycological Federation. He co-founded the Monadnock Mushroom Club in 1988 and is currently the Director of the Sandwich Area Mushroom Club. As Principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants he works as a wetland and natural resource management professional throughout New England.
We also hear from Evan Hennessey, chef and owner of Stages at One Washington restaurant in Dover. Here's a photo of some fungi he found in the woods this fall:
Read the first-ever State of the World's Fungi Report to learn more and see some beautiful pictures.
Mycologist Paul Stamets lists six ways the mycelium fungus can help save the universe: including cleaning polluted soil, making insecticides, treating smallpox and even flu viruses: