Discover the fascinating world of fungi in South East Queensland! 🍄
Join Noosa Parks Association for its upcoming Friday Environment Forum, where mycologist Patrick Leonard will share stories and insights from two decades of exploring, identifying and documenting the remarkable diversity of fungi found throughout South East Queensland.
Patrick’s fascination with fungi began in the late 1940s, when he accompanied his father on a horse-drawn cart to collect Agaricus pampeanus on a ranch in Santa Fe, Argentina. Together, they collected an extraordinary 30 kilograms of mushrooms, enjoying a few for breakfast the following morning and drying the remainder in the sun. This early experience sparked a lifelong interest in fungi and wild food.
A graduate of the Universities of London and Oxford, Patrick spent much of his professional career in the United Kingdom working as a public servant specialising in environmental policy. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his voluntary contributions to the campaign for the South Downs National Park.
After retiring to Queensland in 2006, Patrick became Vice President of the Queensland Mycological Society and has since published two books and several scientific papers exploring Queensland’s fungi.
During this engaging presentation, Patrick will reflect on the joys and challenges of identifying Queensland’s diverse fungi, sharing his experiences from twenty years of foraying and exploring the important roles fungi play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Whether you’re a keen nature enthusiast, gardener, bushwalker or simply curious about the remarkable organisms growing beneath our feet, this forum offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the often-overlooked world of fungi.
Event Information
- Everyone is welcome at the Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Noosaville.
- Morning tea will be available from 10:00am–10:25am, with the presentation beginning at 10:30am.
- Entry is $5 via tap & go, with free admission for current Noosa Parks Association members.
- Early risers are also invited to join the bird observers at 8:30am in the carpark for interpretive birding.
See more via the link below!