Fungi Archives - Eye on the Rainforest

by thrity December 12, 2025

A Mushroom Foray with Catskill Fungi, Dec 2025

Mushroom Foray and Fungal Bio-Blitz with Catskill Fungi, December 2025

Las Casas de la Selva welcomed Catskill Fungi for a special mushroom foray and fungal bio-blitz led by Aubrey Carter, John Michelotti, Gabriela D’Elia, mycologist Kurt Miller (of the Eye On The Rainforest Botanical Team), and supported by Erwin Karl. Participants spent an evening looking at fungi under UV light and the day exploring the fungal diversity of the subtropical wet forest, learning identification skills, ecological relationships, and the importance of fungi in forest health. This event contributed to the ongoing biodiversity documentation at Las Casas de la Selva.

The Experts Behind the Foray

Aubrey Carter, creator of Mushroom Monday and stand-up comedian. Aubrey brings humor, accessibility, and curiosity to the world of fungi, helping audiences feel at ease with identification, ecological awareness, and community science. His creative framing of mycology makes learning fun and approachable, especially for newcomers.

Gabriela D’Elia, creator of Fungi Talk and board member of the Fungal Diversity Survey (FUNDIS).
Gabriela is a mycologist, educator, and writer whose work connects ecological understanding with emotional and philosophical depth. She previously served as executive director of FUNDIS and continues to advocate for fungal conservation. Gabriela has created statewide fungal diversity projects, led campaigns such as establishing porcini as Utah’s state mushroom, and has been featured in publications including Yes! Magazine, Atmos, and Mushroom People. She guides biodiversity surveys, imagination-based mushroom walks, and educational retreats with Catskill Fungi.

John Michelotti, Founder of Catskill Fungi. John is a respected leader in North American mycology. He is the former president of the Mid-Hudson Mycological Association, co-founder of the Catskill Regional Mycoflora Project, and founder of the Gary Lincoff Memorial Scholarship. He serves as Medicinal Mushroom Committee Chair and Poison Control Consultant for the North American Mycological Association and teaches New York’s Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification courses. John is dedicated to empowering people to engage with fungi for personal well-being, environmental stewardship, and resilient communities.

Kurt Miller, expert mycologist of Puerto Rico and community scientist. Kurt has interned with Forest Service mycologist Dr. Jean Lodge and served as a field biologist during the 11th International Mycology Congress in San Juan. He studies tropical fungal ecology, taxonomy, and rare fungal species, particularly those forming mycorrhizae with sea grape (Coccoloba spp.). He administers Fungi of Puerto Rico, leads fungal identification walks across the island, and is a FunDiS Biodiversity Database Identifier specializing in Caribbean fungi.

Erwin Karl, Mycologist and educator. Erwin specializes in field identification, ecological interpretation, and public engagement. His clear teaching style helps participants connect fungi to broader forest processes and understand their essential roles in soil formation and ecosystem function.

About Catskill Fungi: Founded and cultivated by mycologist John Michelotti and friends, Catskill Fungi is grounded in permaculture values and environmental compassion. The organization empowers people to understand fungi as food, medicine, and ecological partners through education centered on sustainable harvesting, cultivation skills, and accessible science.

Learn more: https://catskillfungi.com/pages/about

Into the Forest: A Day of Discovery

Participants explored mature tabonuco forest, regeneration zones, and enrichment areas, documenting cup fungi, polypores, mycorrhizal partners, jelly fungi, and many lesser-known species. The team emphasized sustainable practices, careful observation, and respect for the forest floor. Their combined expertise helped participants see fungi not only as identifiable species but also as active contributors to soil creation, nutrient cycling, and long-term forest recovery.

Bio-Blitz Findings

Throughout the day, the team photographed and recorded each fungal encounter, contributing several new observations to the Las Casas fungal inventory. These findings support long-term research on forest resilience, habitat complexity, and climate-related shifts in fungal communities. The bio-blitz also inspired local participants to continue studying fungi and join citizen-science initiatives that improve understanding of fungal diversity in Puerto Rico.

Strengthening Community and Ecological Insight

This mushroom foray demonstrated the power of education, curiosity, and collaboration in deepening understanding of forest systems. Catskill Fungi’s approach aligned seamlessly with the mission of Eye On The Rainforest, bringing together science, community engagement, and ecological awareness. We thank Aubrey Carter, Gabriela D’Elia, John Michelotti, Erwin Karl, and Kurt Miller for an inspiring and informative time. Their leadership strengthened our educational outreach and contributed to valuable ecological documentation for the region. Las Casas de la Selva looks forward to future forays and expanded collaboration in fungal research and conservation.

Great thanks to Monique Nieves for the wonderful food, Bam Bam for his kitchen help, Jon Warwick for help around the homestead, and Potin for maintenance, and to 3t for organizing and documenting.
See 3t’s Album of this event : https://photos.app.goo.gl/N9UJ38cbA9EyAR8e9

**3t Vakil & Kurt Miller, pic by Gabriela D’Elia**

by thrity February 21, 2024

Bioluminescent fungi, Oct 2023

Bioluminescent fungi -Hygrocybe prieta — *Hygrocybe prieta*: bioluminescent fungi. This is a mushroom of the waxcap genus *Hygrocybe*. *

Exploring the Enchanted Forest: Night-Time Hikes with Kurt Miller in Las Casas de la Selva Forest.

A team of adventurous explorers was granted the extraordinary opportunity to witness one of the natural world’s most enchanting phenomena: the trails of the Las Casas de la Selva rainforest illuminated by the ethereal glow of bioluminescent fungi. Under the expert guidance of the esteemed mycologist Kurt Miller, the participants embarked on a mesmerizing midnight trek. This unique journey allowed them to immerse themselves in the forest’s captivating luminescence, where the natural radiance of the fungi became the highlight of their adventure.

Kurt Miller, with his expertise and passion for fungi, led the group through the dense foliage, unveiling the hidden wonders of the forest under the cover of darkness. The bioluminescent fungi, a phenomenon where fungi emit light through a chemical reaction, turned the forest into a living, glowing entity. This extraordinary sight, often unseen by the day’s light, offered participants a unique glimpse into the mystical life of the rainforest.

The event, seamlessly organized by Raquel Torres-Arzola, included not just the hike but an immersive experience with an overnight stay in the heart of the rainforest. Raquel’s efforts ensured that every participant was well taken care of, providing a delicious dinner and breakfast that catered to all food preferences, making the adventure as comfortable as it was exhilarating.

Special thanks are also due to 3t, Paula Isabel Arzola, Abdelmonem Assi, and Andres Rua, whose contributions were invaluable in making the event a success. Their help with organizing and managing the logistics allowed participants to fully immerse themselves in the experience without worry.

For those adventurous souls who missed out on this spectacular event, there’s good news. Raquel Torres-Arzola is your go-to contact for signing up for future expeditions. These night-time hikes are tailored for those who are able to navigate the forest’s terrain after dark. Whether you’re looking to join as an individual or as part of a friend or family group of up to 18 people, there’s an opportunity for everyone. It’s important to note that these adventures are designed for physically fit participants over the age of 15, ensuring that all involved can safely enjoy the hike.

Las Casas de la Selva rainforest offers more than just a hike; it offers an opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level, to see the unseen, and to learn from experts like Kurt Miller. If you’re seeking an adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the beauty of nature’s own light show, then this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to explore the glowing heart of the rainforest and witness the magic of bioluminescent fungi with Kurt Miller and the dedicated team that makes these journeys possible.

*Lentinus scleropus* at Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, Puerto Rico.

Thank you, Kurt Miller, for your love of fungi.

*Hygrocybe prieta: bioluminescent fungi. This is a mushroom of the waxcap genus Hygrocybe. Described as new to science in 1990, it is found in Puerto Rico, where it grows on clay banks under boulders and elevated tree roots.