Maquipucuna Fungal Biodiversity Workshop

Join Biodiversity Collective and local mycologist Kamilo Santana for a small-group fungal biodiversity experience in the cloud forests of Maquipucuna Reserve, Ecuador.

Limited to just 10 guests, this four-day program combines guided field exploration, hands-on research workshops, and direct participation in the Maquipucuna Fungal Biodiversity Survey.

Maquipucuna’s fungal diversity has never been formally surveyed. This first program offers a chance to be part of that process from the beginning: documenting fungi in the field, examining collections under the microscope, learning how DNA sequencing fits into identification, and helping build a lasting scientific record of the reserve.

Pre-registration is now open.

The Experience

Days at Maquipucuna will move between the cloud forest, the field lab, and evening biodiversity activities.

Planned activities include:

• Guided fungal forays with Kamilo Santana

• Hands-on microscopy

• DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing

• Fungal photography, documentation, and identification

• Specimen processing

• UV-reactive night hikes

• Nighttime moth cloth and insect observations

• Exploration of the reserve’s broader cloud-forest biodiversity
  

Collections and observations from the workshop may contribute to permanent biodiversity records, research specimens, DNA sequence data, and the developing Field Guide to the Macrofungi of Maquipucuna.

Graham Steinruck of Biodiversity Collective will assist with coordination, fieldwork, and several of the hands-on workshops. Additional researchers and specialists may also take part as the program develops.

Quito + Maquipucuna

The program includes four full days at Maquipucuna, with an arrival day and departure day on either end.

A group day in Quito is also planned, with time to experience local food, markets, cultural sites, and some of the city Kamilo came to know while living and working in Ecuador.

Lodging, meals at Maquipucuna, transportation to and from the reserve, organized transportation, workshops, and field activities are included.

Airfare to Ecuador is not included.

Pre-Registration RSVP

Pre-registration is currently open while final dates, pricing, and travel details are being completed.

No payment is required to RSVP.

Submitting an RSVP places you on the priority list for final registration details and gives you the first opportunity to purchase tickets before general registration opens. Because space is limited to 10 guests, an RSVP does not guarantee a place until registration is formally confirmed.

Interested in joining us in Ecuador?