Elwha Fungal diversity Project

The Elwha Fungal Diversity Project is made possible by The Biodiversity Collective. For more information and other projects follow the link below

The Biodiversity Collective | educational events and ecotoursThe Biodiversity Collective connects travelers with nature and communities through our events and ecotours. Collaborating with researchers and non-profit organizations, we promote environmental awareness, cultural exchange, and biodiversity research for a more interconnected and responsible world.

Project Objectives

Our research project aims to uncover the hidden world of fungi in the former Lake Aldwell restoration area along the Elwha River. Fungi are an essential yet often overlooked component of our ecosystems, playing vital roles in soil health, plant growth, and nutrient cycling. Despite their importance, less than 5% of the world's fungal species have been documented. Our project seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by thoroughly documenting the fungal biodiversity in this unique and ecologically significant area.

Background: Lake Aldwell Restoration Lake Aldwell was once a reservoir created by the Elwha Dam, which was built in the early 20th century. In a monumental effort to restore the Elwha River ecosystem, the dam was removed in 2012, allowing the river to flow freely for the first time in over a century. The lakebed has since been undergoing a natural restoration process, with native vegetation gradually returning and wildlife reestablishing their habitats. This area provides a unique opportunity to study ecological recovery and the role of fungi in ecosystem restoration.

Collaborative Effort This project is a collaborative effort involving the support of multiple institutions and organizations, including Western Washington University, the University of Washington, Oregon State University, the Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival, and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe's Natural Resources Department. Together, we bring diverse expertise and resources to ensure the success of the research and its impact on conservation efforts.

We have several specific objectives for this project:

Document Fungal Biodiversity: By collecting and identifying fungal specimens from various habitats within the restoration area, we aim to create a comprehensive inventory of the region's fungal species.
Promote Conservation and Restoration: Understanding fungal diversity and its ecological roles will help inform conservation efforts and guide future restoration practices to support a healthy and resilient ecosystem.
Engage and Educate the Public: Through educational workshops and public involvement, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of fungi and equip community members with the knowledge and skills to participate in fungal research and conservation.

Research Methods

Our research methods are designed to be thorough yet minimally invasive, ensuring we collect valuable data while preserving the natural integrity of the area. Here’s how we’ll go about it:

Systematic Collection: We'll systematically collect fungal specimens from different habitats and substrate types within the former Lake Aldwell restoration area. This will help us capture the diversity of fungi across various environmental conditions.
Photographic Documentation and Metadata Recording: Each fungal specimen will be photographed in detail to document key features. We’ll also record important metadata such as the date and time of collection, GPS coordinates, habitat descriptions, and associated plant species to provide context for each specimen.
DNA Barcoding and Microscopic Analysis: To accurately identify the fungi, we’ll use DNA barcoding, a method that analyzes the genetic material of the fungi. We’ll also conduct microscopic examinations to study their physical characteristics. This combined approach will ensure precise species identification and a better understanding of their ecological roles.
Above and Below Ground Surveys: By conducting both above-ground and below-ground surveys, we’ll capture a comprehensive picture of the fungal community. Above-ground surveys will focus on visible fruiting bodies, while below-ground surveys will examine fungal associations with plant roots.
Public Workshops and Involvement: As part of the Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival, we’ll host workshops to teach the public about fungal collection, identification, and research methods. Participants will have the opportunity to join our fieldwork, helping to collect and document fungi, and gain hands-on experience in fungal research.

By combining rigorous scientific methods with public engagement and leveraging the expertise of our collaborating institutions, our project aims to deepen our understanding of fungal biodiversity and foster a community of citizen scientists dedicated to the study and conservation of fungi.