Alison Pouliot, a leading Australian fungi expert, is coming to Eurobodalla and Bega Valley. Alison is so passionate about fungi she doubles the fungi with two autumn seasons every year. She studies fungi at home in Australia in the autumn months, then travels to northern hemisphere for a second Autumn.
Alison is an ecologist, environmental photographer & the author of three books.
The Allure of Fungi, Alison’s first book begins with the entangled world of mycelium and mushrooms, then follows with stories of fungi forays and conservation of fungi. Alison co-authored Wild Mushrooming: A Guide for Foragers with mycologist Tom May, an essential guide for the safe collection of fungi.
This year Alison published her third book Underground Lovers: Encounters with Fungi with glowing reviews.
Charles Massey wrote “An evocative, accessible and important book about one of the most vital, yet hugely ignored, kingdoms on our planet – fungi.”
The Fungi Feastival are fortunate to have secured Alison Pouliot as keynote speaker this year. Alison will be presenting a seminar in Central Tilba on Friday evening 30th June ‘Underground Lovers: A foray in fungal realms’.
Fungi, the new poster organisms, are reconfiguring our understanding of the natural environment. Fungi and plant symbioses are the secret to success in our highly variable climate and nutrient-deficient soils. Fungi help plants access water and nutrients, increasing their resistance to drought and disease. Fungi aerate soil, build soil structure and allow water to deeply percolate.
Following Alison’s presentation there will be a question and answer session. Alison will also facilitate two hands-on ‘Encounters with Fungi’ workshops. The first in Cobargo on Saturday 1st July and then another on Sunday 2nd July at Eurobodalla Regional Botanical Gardens.
This is your opportunity to explore the fungi of our regions, Bega Valley and Eurobodalla. Participants are encouraged to bring along local fungal specimens for identification. The inaugural Fungi Feastival is a celebration of all things fungi – science, food and art.
For more information on Fungi Feastival or register for Alison Pouliot’s seminar and workshops visit www.fungifeastival.com.au
The Fungi Feastival co-founders would like to give special thanks to our sponsors for supporting the establishment of the inaugural Fungi Feastival in 2023: Mumbulla Community Foundation, Bega Valley Shire Council, Global Giving and the Australian Government; Tilba Chamber of Commerce; Sugar Bush Creative and Gulaga Gold.
Alison Pouliot Keynote Speaker for Fungi Feastival
