The transformative power of guided nature walks – A journey into the world of fungi

When I first started working on demystifying fungi, I had no idea how it would change my life and the lives of many young students. Fungi, essential for life on Earth, are often overlooked and misunderstood.

Over the past four years, my journey has been one of discovery, education and transformation. It has culminated in a project. Working on this has brought me closer to students and teachers across various parts of India. These include educators and learners in places such as Shimla, Solan, Dehradun, Bengaluru, and beyond.

The beginning: a vision takes root

This journey began in earnest when Ashish joined me to support our organization, Eco Vigyan Foundation. Together, we envisioned making fungi as familiar to everyone as flora and fauna.

To achieve this, we created an easy method for documenting mushrooms that both experts and beginners could use. However, the challenge has been to bring this vision to life in a way that would engage and educate young minds.

The opportunity came through the Wipro earthian program, when we decided to collaborate with schools across different regions. Beyond tangible outcomes, our goal is to change student’s attitudes and understanding of mushrooms using a holistic 3H approach: head, heart and hands.

Head: the seed of knowledge

We chose to conduct guided fungi walks as an important part of this process. We have conducted these walks over the years across India. These have bene met with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

As we ventured into forests, parks, and various natural habitats, I began to share stories about the fascinating world of fungi. The students, initially cautious, soon found themselves absorbed in identifying different types of mushrooms. Their eyes lit up with curiosity as they learned to distinguish between parasitic and decomposing fungi.

One memorable moment was during a walk where a seventh-grader excitedly called out, “I found a parasitic mushroom!” His peers gathered around. Together, they examined its features. These hands-on discoveries have been turning points.

Through these experiences, students’ cognitive proficiency has blossomed, like spores finding fertile ground. Over the course of these walks, 187 out of 245 students could accurately identify parasitic fungi. And 162 could identify decomposing fungi!

Heart: cultivating emotional connections

As the walks continued, a noticeable shift occurred. The initial wariness was replaced by wonder. Students began to see mushrooms not as strange, possibly dangerous organisms, but as vital parts of the ecosystem. This emotional connection was perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the journey.

One day, during a walk at Nalagarh Biodiverse Forest, a small girl stood out. Most of the kids were excitedly observing turkey tail mushrooms. These are a multi-colored mushroom variety. They come in various shades of brown, yellow, gray and blue. This girl was looking for something specific. When I asked what she was searching for, she innocently replied, “I’m looking for a turkey tail mushroom that has the colors of a rainbow.”

This moment transported me back to my childhood in Shimla. Then, I would dream of foraging rainbow-colored berries. It was a surreal connection. I realized that something I had seen only in dreams was now being sought after by this young explorer in reality.

Post-walk surveys revealed a profound change. 104 students expressed curiosity toward encountering wild mushrooms in the future. Ninety students felt a sense of awe!

I have watched these young minds transition from caution to curiosity, and then to genuine fascination. This process has been like witnessing the unfolding of a beautiful, complex organism. These children are no longer just students. They are explorers, eager to understand nature’s marvels.

Hands: mastering practical skills

Practical skills have been another crucial part of the journey. We wanted students to feel confident and competent in interacting with nature. The transformation has been evident in their growing abilities to locate, identify and discuss mushrooms independently.

During one particularly successful walk, a group of eighth graders, equipped with their newfound knowledge, ventured ahead. They returned with mushrooms’ photographs. They also confidently explained their ecological roles.

Over time, 173 students have felt confident in locating mushrooms independently. 156 students could articulate their ecological roles. 150 students felt equipped to ensure safety during mushroom walks!

The hands-on mastery they have developed is not just about fungi. It is about fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment. These practical experiences have empowered them, turning theoretical knowledge into tangible skills.

Overcoming challenges: navigating the unknown

Of course, the journey has not been without its challenges. Initially, there was a significant knowledge gap among both students and teachers. Overcoming this required patience, creativity, and many preliminary workshops.

Safety was another concern. However, we have been able to follow clear guidelines and protocols. Through this process, we have built a framework that ensures a safe learning environment.

The biggest challenge, however, has involved changing deep-seated perceptions. Many students have grown up with the notion that mushrooms are either useless or dangerous. It has taken time to change these perceptions. However, with each walk, each discovery, and each story shared, we have chipped away at these misconceptions.

Conclusion: a journey continued

Reflecting on this journey, I see it as a testament to experiential learning’s power.

Guided nature walks, with their focus on fungi, offer a transformative educational experience. These engage students’ heads, hearts and hands. These can also help foster cognitive proficiency, emotional connections, and hands-on mastery.

Through this project, we have worked across different regions of India. Our vision is not yet fully realized. We are still on the journey. I envision a future where fungi are as familiar and appreciated as plants and animals. Through continued efforts in education and community engagement on fungi, we can cultivate a deeper understanding and respect for the natural world.

As I look back on the faces of those young explorers, filled with curiosity and wonder, I am reminded that the journey of learning is never-ending. Together, we can only plant the seeds of knowledge in each other. I am excited to see how these will grow in the years to come.