Community Mycology
How to Document Fungi for Science
Saturday, October 17, 2026; 7 pm - 9 pm
at the Appalachian Forest Museum
$20/person
Please note: The Saturday evening lecture is already included in the full weekend registration. Purchase ONLY if you are not attending the full weekend event.
Join us for our Community Lecture & Discussion on How to Document Fungi for Science – We’ll take a look at projects that have equipped mycophiles around the world to contribute to our collective understanding of fungal diversity. We’ll also discuss optimizing use of the free site/app iNaturalist, how to photograph fungi for scientific purposes, and dehydrate specimens for further study such as genetic sequencing and microscopy.
Lauren Ré, Mycologist & Nature Educator
Lauren Ré is a Mycologist & Nature Educator pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Her research focuses on the taxonomy of the fungal family Hygrophoraceae, known as Waxy Caps. She holds a B.S from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where she studied ecology and cryptogamic organisms including fungi, lichens, slime molds and bryophytes. She is passionate about community science and fostering greater awareness and understanding of fungal diversity.
Owen Zecca, Fungal Biologist
Owen Zecca is a fungal biologist, cultivator, student, forager, and enthusiast. He is currently in a Master’s program at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. He has conducted fungal biodiversity research in Jamaica for the past seven years in addition to running a mushroom farm and spawn laboratory. He is interested in regenerative food systems, biodiversity preservation, and applying fungal technologies for a more sustainable future.