shimamā

In early 2019, I established a project with the NAMP across the ancestral territories of the Northern Pomo. Using iNaturalist I was able to map mushrooms in the pine forests at Noyo-Bida Ranch starting January 2019 to March 2020, using the NAMP identification sheets as practice. Throughout the year, I collected local specimens that we were interested in sending to NAMP to have DNA sequenced and eventually be able to cultivate them. Unfortunately, through a heavily involved friend, I learned NAMP ran out of funding part way through this project. Consequently our direction was changed and alongside PVT’s Maintenance Department I decided to plan for a mushroom path on the property featuring local mushrooms. Using GIS software and iNaturalist data, I created a map to best identify and layout where the path should go and which mushrooms will be there. Due to the emergency protocols of the coronavirus outbreak, I did not get to present the map to the tribal council and development of the path is suspended. Included in the March workshop was a demonstration of NAMP, how to use iNaturalist as a tool to identify, and why it’s important to be a part of community science efforts of mapping mushrooms. The attendees were very interested in contributing and using the identification tool so I developed a video for how to use it. I plan to forward our ethnomycological data with our NAMP project to include traditional knowledge as we move forward with the project. I also aim to integrate cultural knowledge to the DNA sequencing program and have longer discussion about a tribal research partnership around traditional foods.