Resources available for mushroom identification

Re: “Victoria boy, 3, dies in mushroom tragedy,” Oct. 13.

The members of the South Vancouver Island Mycological Society are extremely saddened by the news of the child who died after eating mushrooms picked in Victoria. On behalf of our club, I express our deepest sympathy to the family.

We hope that increased education will help prevent a repeat of this tragedy. It is critical that anyone gathering mushrooms to eat learn the basics of mushroom identification as well as the specifics of mushrooms growing in this region. Courses are offered seasonally at Royal Roads University and through the Swan Lake Nature Centre. The Capital Regional District also offers mushroom walks at selected parks.

A continuously updated list of mushroom events is posted at bit.ly/2dYICsP.

The SVIMS meets monthly and each meeting features an educational presentation and an opportunity to meet mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts. Guests are always welcome and are encouraged to bring mushrooms for identification.

The SVIMS holds an annual mushroom show, this year on Sunday, Oct. 23, to share knowledge with the community at large. In addition to more than 200 labelled species on display, attendees are invited to bring mushrooms from their community for identification. The show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cordova Bay 55 Plus Association, 5238 Cordova Bay Rd.

For other local information about mushrooms, see the online publication Fungifama and the SVIMS website: SVIMS.ca.

Bruce Pendergast, president South Vancouver Island Mycological Society Victoria