Fungal Foray to Waikaia. POSTPONED TILL SPRING

Waikaia Forest at Piano Flat is an isolated remnant of the mixed beech forests (red beech - Fuscospora fusca, mountain beech - Fuscospora cliffortioides and silver beech – Lophozonia menziesii) that once covered much of the area. The area supports a unique invertebrate fauna with several rare species being found there. Beech trees are dependent on various mycorrhizal fungi for their survival and growth. We plan to look at the fungal diversity of this forest in conjunction with Prof. David Orlovich of the Otago University Botany Department as part of his ongoing research. The trip is dependent on a DoC permit, so will be confirmed closer to the date. For further details and to arrange carpooling contact David Orlovich.

POSTPONED TILL SPRING