A Closer Look: Fungi, Lichen, and Slime Molds

Today’s topic is Fungi, Lichen, and Slime Molds! There are few things more other-worldly that these incredible groups, each different from one another and each astounding! Join us to learn about the difference between these fascinating organisms and to view them in a whole new way. Please note participants with tryphobia may feel discomfort at seeing certain specimens under microscope.

This all-ages, fun and educational Community Program offers participants an opportunity to take a closer look at various aspects of the natural world. This program makes use of our incredible Microeye, a user-friendly microscope that allows us to zoom into intricacies and designs we would never notice with the naked eye! Each session will have a unique topic which we will discuss as we view related props under the Microeye. For this program we ask participants to bring in some items they would like to view under the Microeye, bonus if they are related to the topic, but this is not a requirement.

Please see our rules and guidelines on choosing these items, before bringing items to the Nature Sanctuary.

Guidelines for Collection:

• Items should be found on the ground, not picked off a living organism.
• Items should not be the home of a living organism (a nest, part of a nest)
• Nothing that will cause spread of invasive species onto site (no seeds)
• Nothing that could be dangerous or toxic
• Nothing that has been collected through disruptive or harmful practices
• Small items only (i.e. no large rocks)
• Nothing unsterile/unsafe to touch (i.e. decaying carcass)

Please bring items in a container or bag. Items must leave site with you – Please do not leave items on site. We do accept donations that we deem safe and useful to keep on site for further education.

All ages are welcome, theses programs are best suited for children grade three +, children must be accompanied by adults for entirety of program.

If cost is a barrier to attending this program, please reach out: programs@swanlake.bc.ca