Outdoors program putting the fun into fungi
Published on 18 January 2023
Pam O’Sullivan doesn’t need magic mushrooms to make her wild about fungi.
The passionate mycologist (that’s a fungi scientist to the uninitiated) literally wrote the book on species found in Lake Macquarie and other parts of the State – A guide to the common fungi of coastal NSW.
Ms Sullivan led a diverse group of amateur fungus-hunters through Sunshine Park in the city’s south on Wednesday as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s annual Explore Our Great Outdoors program.
“Fungi are so incredibly important. The more we learn about them, the more we realise they are this incredible kingdom of organisms that underpins all life on Earth,” she said.
“They’re critical in the recycling and decomposition of nutrients, absolutely, but they also direct a lot of benefits to humans.”
“Apart from the food we eat, like mushrooms, there’s also yeast used in brewing, breadmaking, wine and beer. And you have all the medicinal uses like penicillin.”
Ms Sullivan said fungi had other lesser-known uses, such as in environmental clean-ups after oil spills, and in the production of citric acid used in various industries.
Scientists have identified about 168,000 fungi species so far, but estimate there could be up to 3-5 million in total.
Ms Sullivan said thousands of those species called Lake Macquarie home.
Council’s acting Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Zoe Johnson said this year’s Explore Our Great Outdoors program had been a huge success, thanks to the diversity of activities, fine weather and the end of COVID restrictions.
“The intention of the whole Explore Our Great Outdoors program is to let people connect with our landscape, the flora and fauna of Lake Mac,” she said.
“By getting people to fall in love with their natural environment, we hope we can foster a greater sense of environmental stewardship, so people care for the environment, tread a bit more lightly and are more conscious of their consumption and waste.”
This year’s program has also included a geological tour of Dudley’s rock platform, a bird-watching morning, kayaking on the lake and a bush-tucker walk.
Saturday marks the end of this year’s program, with a sand-sculpting workshop and competition on Blacksmiths Beach, led by world-renowned sand-sculptor Steve Machell.
The workshop kicks off at 3pm. Go to lakemac.com.au for more information and bookings.