Join us on Friday, March 5, 7:00-8:30 pm, for a conversation with naturalist Christian Schwarz to discover why “Data is Not the Destination” in community (citizen) science. Explore the roles of community science in studying and connecting to nature, through the marvelous world of mushrooms and their enthusiasts. We’ll also learn about local fungi and how you too can become a community scientist. An opportunity for Q&A discussion will follow the talk. This program is part of a special series to connect with the “Wonders of Winter” that emerge this time of year in our environment.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For questions, please contact Lisette Arellano at larellano@parksconservancy.org. 

Christian Schwarz is a naturalist currently living in Santa Cruz, the land of milk (caps) and honey (mushrooms). He studied Ecology and Evolution at UCSC, and now spends his time photographing, teaching about, collecting, and researching macrofungi. He is coauthor of Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast. Fungi satisfy his curiosity with their seemingly endless forms – from the grotesque to the bizarre to the sublimely beautiful. Besides dabbling in mushroom taxonomy, he loves fish, plants, nudibranchs, moths, and dragonflies. He is passionate about community science, especially iNaturalist. He is a Research Associate at the Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz as well as the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden.