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October 07, 2011

Mushroom magic on Lodge Bog, Co. Kildare


The Irish Peatland Conservation Council were delighted to welcome a mushroom expert to the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.

LeslieJo Meyerhoff came all the way from Wisconsin, USA and has over 15 years experience in mushroom identification. During her two days volunteering with the IPCC she identified 8 mushrooms in the bog which will contribute to the Bog Woodland Survey undertaken this year on Lodge Bog.

Mushrooms are rather mysterious as are bogs so when seeking mystery on holiday LeslieJo chose to seek mushrooms at the Bog of Allen. “Several familiar mushrooms were encountered. The Birch Bolete, which is edible, was well represented as were Laccaria laccata. Also found was Turkey Tail, a recognised medicinal mushroom. Waxy caps and the diminutive Leotia lubrica or ‘jelly baby’ rounded out a splendid experience” says LeslieJo Meyerhoff. “I really enjoyed my time volunteering with the IPCC and to find so many mushrooms rounded out a splendid experience” she added.

LeslieJo is continuing her stay in Ireland and is taking time out to write her book on mushrooms. When she returns to the USA she will be presenting a talk on mushrooms encountered in the Bog of Allen at the 2012 Telluride Mushroom Festival in Telluride, Colarado.
 
This Bog Woodland Habitat Survey and Volunteer Training Programme has been supported by Kildare County Council under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2011.