AT: Ornithomycology: Where Birds and Fungi Intersect

Hybrid – In Person (Austin) or Virtual. Registration is required.

With birds in the air and fungi in the earth, you may think that the two don’t interact much. However, there are several documented ways that fungi and birds play roles in each other’s lives. In this talk, we will explore some of the known interactions and observations that have been studied or documented. From collecting for food, to nest building, or even to impress mates, birds have proven to utilize fungi in several interesting ways. Join us to learn about these and the other ways that birds and fungi interact.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Chris Garza is a Certified Ecologist, ISA Certified Arborist, and Certified Ecosystem Restoration Practitioner in Training. He also holds a GIS certificate from Texas A&M University where he received a M.S. in Forestry and has a B.S. in Biology from St. Edward’s University. Chris currently works as an ecologist with Siglo Group, providing environmental assessments and natural area management guidelines for several projects in Central Texas. Prior to his time with Siglo Group, Chris worked as an environmental scientist and GIS specialist for over 2.5 years at Hollaway Environmental in Houston, Texas. Chris also worked as an applied ecologist for over 3.5 years at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center during the design and implementation phases of their master plan. Chris has experience in wetland delineation, threatened & endangered species surveys, phase I environmental site assessments, wetland mitigation/restoration, ecosystem restoration, tree surveys, land/ecosystem management, invasive plant removal, herbicide application, and other biological surveys. Some of Chris’ other interests include botany, entomology, mycology, foraging, and rock climbing. He currently serves as a board member for Travis Audubon.