What is Citizen Science?

Simply put, citizen science is research conducted by a person or community regardless of academic background. Citizen scientists may work in collaboration with academic organizations. You don't need to have a BASc, PhD or any other formal schooling. You just need to have a love for learning and an area of science that you're passionate about.

Why study mycology?

The kingdom of fungi is constantly evolving, everyday we are learning new things about how our fungal allies (and enemies) shape the world. With a finite amount of funding going toward the study of this branch of life, the world needs more mycologists helping to gather data and understand how fungi work. Even if you don't want to change the world, mycology is a rewarding and often relaxing hobby. Mycology offers many benefits to the mind and body, after a tromp in the woods its really hard not to be relaxed. You'll probably meet some really cool folks along the way. Another reason to study mycology is, simply, why not?

Where do I start?

Join a group! Search for a mycology club near you. No mycology club? Start one!

Go out with someone more experienced than you. Going out with someone who has the same experience level as you is suprisingly effective, some of my most educational outings were with people who were also learning.

Join iNaturalist or Mushroom Observer and start uploading your observations. Participate in projects geared toward fungi.

Participate in a Mycoblitz

Start an herbarium for lichens or fungi

There are many content creators and lectures available to watch on the web.

This page is a work in progress! I will be adding some more links later. I am quite busy at work so please be patient.

Some handy links to get you started:

How To Observe Mushrooms Methodically

An iNat Introduction to Mushrooming

Learn Your Land

First Nature