Introduction to Fungal Microscopy

Peter Werner will present an introduction to microscopy theory and practice, as well as the key microscopic features used to identify mushrooms, followed by a hands‐on workshop in the use of microscopes, as important tools in the identification and description of fungi and for appreciating their beauty on a whole new level. We will tour Merritt College's Bioscience Microscopy Facility, with fungal samples set up on the facility's research-grade microscopes.

To bring: No need to bring anything, but you can bring mushrooms (including dried collections) that you're interested in ID 'ing or otherwise seeing under the microscope, though mushrooms will also be on hand for the workshop. If interested in formally keying unknown species, a laptop and flash drive and/or copies of your own favorite specialty literature are strongly recommended. If you have your own microscope that you'd like help with optimizing, feel free to bring it to the meeting.

Here's the agenda (subject to change as needed):

• 6:00pm - Doors open, microscopes available for those who know how to use them and are interested in starting to look at specimens early.
• 7:00pm - Tour of Merritt College Bioscience Microcopy Facility
• 7:30pm - SFMS/BAMS Meeting formally begins. Society business and intros for both groups. Peter Werner will present on microscopy and its application in mycology.
• 8:30-10:00pm - Hands on workshop. Peter Werner will show how to make a simple "squash mount" of gill tissue and how to set it up Kohler illumination on a compound microscope for optimal viewing of specimens. Hands on help with microscope setup and keying of mushrooms.

Important parking notice: meeting location is the "D" building room D 247. Bring eight (8) quarters to buy a required parking coupon.  Here is a map to campus, which is located at 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA. Here is a campus map.