Explore Green-Wood’s Fungal Biodiversity: Mushroom Hotspot
July 18th , 10:00am – 12:00pm
Come learn about fungi at Green-Wood!
Join MYCOmmunity Mapping Project on a community science dig to learn about the fungal lives beneath our feet. We will take soil samples in one of Green-Wood’s documented mushroom hotspots to test for fungal DNA and contribute to a greater understanding of urban biodiversity.
This session will start with a brief introduction to local soil and mycorrhizal fungi, why they matter, and why we want to get to know them. We will also share about the Green-Wood Fungi Phenology Project, an ongoing community science effort to document the cemetery’s mushrooms.
Price: Free
(see details below)
After a brief presentation, participants will dig in—literally—by taking soil samples together. We may or may not see mushrooms, depending on the weather, but we will use DNA to locate microscopic fungi hiding in plain sight either way. After the dig, Green-Wood Environmental Research Fellows Whitney Bauck and Lauren Wilson will sequence the fungal DNA in the samples with lab partners. They will share these lab findings in a presentation open to the public at the end of their fellowship.
No prior knowledge of soil science or fungi is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
What to expect: The programming and education will be geared primarily toward an adult audience, but kids are very welcome. Be prepared for at least 30 minutes of walking, including some steep hills, within the Cemetery.
About the facilitators: Whitney Bauck and Lauren Wilson are Green-Wood Cemetery Environmental Research Fellows and founders of MYCOmmunity Mapping Project, who started out as friends, neighbors, and dirt and fungi lovers living in Brooklyn.
Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donationto the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more programs like this throughout the year.
Please note that if only 1 ticket shows as available during the purchase process, that is the last ticket available.
BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:
- Tickets: There is no need to print tickets! Attendees will be checked in by name.
- Where To Go: Check-in takes place in the classroom at The Green-House at Green-Wood (700 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232).
- Accessibility & Safety: Walking tour routes cover hilly, grassy, and uneven terrain. This tour is not accessible for those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids and may be difficult for those with balance or other mobility issues. There is no place to sit down during the tour. For other disability-related accommodations, contact us at 718-768-7300 or events@green-wood.com. We strongly encourage attendees to wear suitable footwear.
- A Little More About Safety: Unless there is a medical emergency, it may be difficult to exit quickly during the tour. Please consider these limitations before purchasing tickets.
- Inclement Weather Policy: We monitor weather conditions throughout the day for the best chance of proceeding with the tour, and will not make a final decision until approximately 3 hours before the start of the tour. Cancellations will be announced via Eventbrite email blasts, so check your email and spam folders. The rain date for this program is on Sunday, July 26th.
- Registration & Photography Notice: By registering for this event, participants agree to share their contact information with MYCOmmunity Mapping Project for event-related communications and future updates about the project. Participants also consent to being photographed and/or filmed during the event, and to the use of those images by Green-Wood and MYCOmmunity Mapping Project for educational, promotional, and marketing purposes.
Green-Wood’s public programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, as well as the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.