Field Skills for Community Science Winter Workshop
Join us for a hands on workshop that shows how everyday time outside can contribute to real scientific research. Led by UTC graduate researcher Seth Ledbetter, this session introduces fungal biodiversity research happening in the southeastern United States and how community observations play a role in understanding ecosystems at a larger scale.
The focus of the workshop is practical and field based. Participants will learn the basics of fungal identification, including how to recognize key features used by researchers. We will also cover how to photograph fungi in the field so observations can be used as research grade records on citizen science platforms like iNaturalist and Mushroom Observer.
This workshop is designed for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, from casual hikers to amateur naturalists and community scientists. While fungi are the main focus, the skills shared apply broadly to plants and animals as well. Attendees will leave with simple tools to slow down, notice more, and turn curiosity into meaningful biodiversity data.