True, I am always raving about this new world of mushroom programing. And, why not? The abundance of recently introduced and engaging information that we have available is so satisfying and enriching, although it may seem a little overwhelming from time to time.
I personally am quite excited in particular about the virtual programming that NAMA is now offering. For example, Monday’s offering was entitled “Learning about Boletes and the Online Bolete Filter Tool with Scott Pavelle.” Yes, quite a mouthful for a title, but the presentation was outstanding, just what I would have expected from NAMA … and more.
For years, dare I say more than 35 years, I have been an active member of various local mycological societies, and, have wondered what would be the value of joining NAMA. Sure there were the NAMA forays, but not all of us can attend forays. And, sure there was the newsletter. But, last night's program and the follow-up discussion, along with other such recent offerings have convinced me that there is a real and identifiable benefit to NAMA membership. In fact, the opportunity to be a part of this program via Zoom was more than worth the cost of a year’s membership. I sincerely hope that NAMA will continue to offer such enlightening programs!
The Admirable Bolete, always a delightful find.
The website's FAQ section underscores the goal of the filter and identifies the ease with which one can use it:
The Goal: We’ve built this system to be triage – a preliminary diagnosis – not as a full-fledged identifier. Consult the books and professional websites if you want to get your I.D. down from a few results to a particular species. References are included in each full-description page.
How It Works – Filters Only Remove What’s Impossible: Look at the mushroom in your hand and then go down the list of filters. Click each one that clearly applies. The Filter will remove all mushrooms for which that result is impossible.
In his Zoom presentation Scott emphasized that the Bolete Filter is neither an identifier nor a traditional key. Instead, it is more similar to a shopping site.
I put the Bolete Filter to the test with my fav bolete, the Admirable Bolete (Aureoboletus mirabilis), selected the appropriate filters, and was quickly taken to its location in the Bolete Filter where a slide show was available, showing the mushroom as seen by various photographers. I found the Bolete Filter extremely easy to use and was pleased that it provided a wealth of information in a user-friendly manner about the Admirable Bolete. The photographs were reliable and stunning. The references were reassuring.
How wonderful to be living in time when such tools can so easily be accessed! Many thanks to developer Scott and to the hosting club, the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club for this wonderful addition to our mushroom world!