Fungal Fruiting-Body Survey at HOLT Research Forest

1 day ago

2 min read

Fungi play an essential role in forest ecosystems, driving decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil health, and interactions with trees and other organisms. Despite their importance, fungal biodiversity remains underdocumented, leaving gaps in our understanding of how these communities support overall forest health. By documenting fungal diversity, we can better understand ecological relationships within a forest and how these communities change in response to their environment.

Ashburn presenting her findings at the HRF 2026 field season celebration.

Shalee Ashburn, former Holt Research Forest (HRF) intern and now an external researcher, has completed her first season collecting fungal data at HRF. Ashburn's research focuses on documenting fungal diversity through ongoing observations within established forest plots and along forest trails. She’s recording species, photographs, GPS coordinates, dates, host trees, substrates, ecological roles, and environmental conditions to build a growing dataset of fungal observations. Over time, this information will help establish a baseline of fungal diversity and compare seasonal trends, species occurrences, and changes in fungal communities throughout the forest.

“Ultimately, I want to improve our understanding of fungal biodiversity and the role it plays in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems,” said Ashburn.

This October, Holt Research Forest welcomed the Maine Mycological Association (MMA) for a mushroom foray! MMA members from across the state joined to learn about the forest and search for fungi. Highlights of the foray include finding species that MMA members had documented in Maine only once before, commonly known as Olive Lute. This was MMA's first official visit, and their findings will contribute to the fungal dataset Ashburn is working to establish.

Callistosporium luteo-olivaceum “Olive Lute” — *Callistosporium luteo-olivaceum* “Olive Lute”

Maine TREE is excited to support Ashburn's ongoing research and the growing collaborations that are helping to develop our understanding of fungal diversity and its role in our ecosystems. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on this and other research projects at Holt Research Forest.