Mushroom Identification Workshop

At our most recent lab meetup, we had the chance to learn some fungal identification basics thanks to Ryan Cotter , a fellow environmental engineering senior at the U of A and active member of our lab. Ryan led us through a hands-on crash course on taxonomic naming and how to identify fungi commonly found in Arizona’s native environment.

We used the classic dichotomous key to work through different species, teaming up to figure out how each clue led to the next. With snacks in hand and gears turning, it was an interactive and fun way to learn more about the local fungi around us.

Big shoutout to Ryan, who’s also the president of MycoCats, a campus club all about mushrooms and mycology. We’re grateful for his knowledge and enthusiasm, and we’re already looking forward to the next workshop!