A NORMALLY quiet timber plantation in the Mount Gambier district will soon greet thousands of visitors as bioluminescent mushrooms have sprouted on the forest floor.
Forestry SA’s Ghost Mushroom Lane will open tomorrow, now boasting widespread recognition as a major Limestone Coast tourism feature, attracting over 40,000 people across its 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Typically emerging after late autumn rain, ghost mushrooms can be found living from the stumps of decaying pine trees and often grow to a width of 20cm.
The site is concealed in a OneFortyOne Plantations’ pine forest 16km from Mount Gambier, which is believed to be Australia’s most concentrated population of fungi.
Open for its third annual eight-week season, this year ForestrySA has partnered with OneFortyOne to present a premium forest experience.
ForestrySA conservation planner Troy Horn said the site requires many hours’ work to keep it tidy, safe and running smoothly for the thousands of guests expected during the eight-week season.
“We are seeking interested people to volunteer their time on the lane and become part of this iconic local tourism initiative,” Mr Horn said.
“There are many ways to volunteer your time to this project, assisting our trained tour guides on busy nights at the lane as greeting and information staff, or during daylight hours to maintain forest walking trails and scout emerging mushroom colonies.
“All training will be provided by ForestrySA and it is the perfect way to keep active, meet new people, learn more about the Ghost Mushroom and become part of a positive community endeavour.”
Forestry SA acting chief executive Julian Speed said the timber company was thrilled to receive the tourism award at the 2018 Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce outstanding business awards late last year.
“As the State Government’s forest manager, our vision in this region is to grow visitation to our Native Forest Reserves and pine forest under government lease arrangement, improve forest facilities and continue to protect the community from the threat of bushfire,” he said.
OneFortyOne’s estate manager Andrew Matheson said the company was delighted to once again be involved.
“We would like to congratulate ForestrySA for its hard work and dedication in developing this unique forest experience on the plantation lease area and look forward to working with them to deliver an even better experience this year.”
To stay up-to-date on Ghost Mushroom season 2019 visit Forestry SA’s website.
To volunteer, email conservationandrecreation@forestrysa.com.au or contact Kieran Gosden on 0429 682 672.
