A Study of Macrofungal Diversity in Williamsburg, Virginia

Fungi are a traditionally understudied group of organisms despite their worldwide distribution and incredible diversity. Ecologically important, fungi play essential roles in material cycling as well as forming intimate associations with other organisms, especially plants. The College Woods, located adjacent to William and Mary's campus in Williamsburg, VA, has been an ecological study site for decades. However, no formal documentation of terrestrial fungi has been conducted at this site. In this study, we conducted an extensive survey with the goal of establishing a baseline for macroscopic fungal diversity in the College Woods. This dataset will aid future monitoring and conservation efforts. In the face of climate change and human development, it will be important to assess how fungal communities are impacted. The study revealed a community composed of 69 families, 124 genera, and a tentative 212 species. These results suggest a wealth of fungal diversity in the College Woods that should be continuously monitored and protected.