Mushroom Encounters at Carters Mill

We were fortunate to enjoy two beautiful autumn days at Carters Mill over the weekend for our Mushroom Encounters workshops, with both Saturday and Sunday sessions attracting a fantastic turnout of inquisitive participants keen to learn more about the fascinating world of fungi.

The workshops were led by renowned fungi expert and ecologist Alison Pouliot, who delivered engaging presentations exploring the diversity, ecology and importance of fungi within our natural environments. Participants were also treated to an impressive display of locally collected fungi specimens, showcasing the incredible variety of colours, textures and forms that can be found throughout the region.

With a crackling fire helping keep everyone warm on the cool autumn days, participants settled in to learn about the hidden world beneath our feet. Alison shared insights into the critical role fungi play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, including their role in breaking down organic matter such as fallen leaves and timber, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and forming beneficial partnerships with plants and trees. Many participants were fascinated to learn about mycorrhizal fungi — underground fungal networks that connect with plant roots and help trees absorb water and nutrients.

Each workshop concluded with a guided fungi foray around Carters Mill, where participants had the opportunity to observe and photograph a remarkable diversity of fungi species in their natural habitat. From tiny delicate fungi emerging through leaf litter to striking bracket fungi growing on fallen logs, there was something exciting to discover around every corner.

It was wonderful to see so many people come together to learn, explore and connect with nature through the fascinating world of fungi.

This project is supported by Goulburn Broken CMA, through funding from the Victorian Government’s Victorian Landcare Grants.