Report: Introduction to Fungi (CAKE17)
Members' Report by: Ruth Ong, Dom, Aysha&Carl, Terence and HY Leong
Photos: Pascal Moniot and HY Leong
On 11 July 2026, the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch (MNSSB), led by chief mentor HY Leong, organised a field trip to Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with the MNSSB Mycology Special Interest Group (SIG). The programme introduced 15 participants—six parents and nine children aged 7 to 12—to the fascinating kingdom of fungi through an engaging exploration of their diversity, ecological importance, and the impacts of climate change on these often-overlooked organisms.
The morning began with participants checking in, receiving coloured name tags, and collecting their starter kits, which included a small tackle box, a blank My Nature Journal, and a pencil to record their observations. Following a safety briefing, participants were divided into three groups—Gilled Mushrooms, Exotic Fungi, and Polypores—each led by an experienced mentor: Mycology SIG Lead Coordinator Loon Yit Hong, together with committee members Jacqueline Low and Lenny Wong.
Before entering the forest park, Loon introduced participants to the incredible diversity of fungi and explained their essential role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. The session also explored how climate change can influence fungal populations and highlighted the importance of responsible behaviour when observing or collecting mushroom specimens. This provided an excellent foundation for the hands-on activities that followed.
One parent, Ruth Ong, shared a memorable takeaway from the introduction: "That there are 3 types of ‘kingdom’ in the forest, not just flora and fauna, but also fungi. As Loon puts it, the 3Fs. Easy to remember."
Following a group photograph, participants set off along the forest trails for the programme's highlight—a guided mushroom hunt. Equipped with keen eyes and growing curiosity, the children and their parents searched for fungi growing on tree trunks, fallen logs, and the forest floor among the leaf litter.
The guided experience left a strong impression on participants. As Dom reflected: "We really found it memorable that there were mentors to guide the children and parents. Finding different variety of fungi was very eye opening!"
Along the way, mentors demonstrated proper mushroom-picking techniques, explained the basic characteristics used to identify different fungi, and encouraged participants to observe carefully before giving permission to collect specimens for their specimen boxes. Participants also had plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Mentors also shared simple tips on photographing fungi using their parents' mobile phones.
For two of the child participants, the opportunity to slow down and discover the forest's hidden treasures made the experience especially meaningful:
"We loved being outdoor for a mushroom hunt with very patient and dedicated guides," said siblings Aysha & Carl. "Thank you so much to help us slow down and appreciate those beautiful and often hidden pieces of nature!"
Following a short snack break, everyone gathered to examine the specimens collected during the walk. Loon invited the children to identify the fungal groups to which the specimens belonged and pointed out the distinctive features of the different fungi encountered. The learning continued with an interactive quiz, where enthusiastic participants competed to answer questions and earned edible rewards for their efforts.
The field trip concluded with a discussion on how everyone can help conserve fungi and forest ecosystems.
Reflecting on the day's experience, Terence said: "Learned a lot about different types of fungi; son learnt a lot as well as the importance of fungi to the jungle ecosystem."
The field trip provided participants with an engaging and memorable introduction to the hidden kingdom of fungi, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation of their ecological importance.
Through guided, hands-on experiences in nature, CAKE field trips inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect biodiversity while creating meaningful parent-child connections. Families were encouraged to continue their nature-learning journey through activities organised by the MNSSB Mycology SIG.
