An Interview with a Citizen Scientist
In “An Interview with a Citizen Scientist,” mycologist and relentless researcher Ann Simpson fills me in on, among other things, what it takes to know and love the stunning and surreal fungi which haunt the breathtakingly beautiful forests of British Columbia, and how the professional skills that once earned her the nickname “CSI” aid and abet her in her tireless pursuit of elusive mycological specimens.
The subject of mycology, the branch of biology pertaining to fungi (mushrooms and their relatives), has always fascinated me. During walks in the forest or time spent working in my garden, I encounter these amazing, and often strikingly beautiful organisms frequently, in virtually every imaginable shape, size and color. They are the most mysterious, otherworldly, and eerily lovely life forms growing on my land. And although they’re ubiquitous – I find versions of them growing on virtually every conceivable outdoor surface (and the occasional indoor surface) on my property – they remain entirely enigmatic. Fungi are neither plants nor animals. They rule an entire biological kingdom exclusively, and with total sovereignty. They are their own surreal thing.
These strange growths have inhabited the planet for eons, and they’re as inscrutable as hell. And I’m curious as hell. I mean, what are these things? What are they, really?
Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, for example, are incalculably vast repositories of amazing people and excellent information and ideas. Their algorithms bring people of similar interests together with almost supernatural accuracy and consistency; the tech is scary-good and the dots are, as if by black magic, constantly connected. So when I joined Twitter last year, and brought my curiosity about fungi (and a boatload of my other interests, as well) with me, I wasn’t really surprised that, within a short time, Ann in Bridge Lake and I ended up in the same orbit.
Ann Simpson, known to the twitterverse as Ann in Bridge Lake (for her home turf of Bridge Lake, British Columbia, Canada), is a mycologist and nature lover, and an inveterate appreciator of great literature and art. Since this is all the stuff that I also personally dig, Twitter’s digital diabolism caused Ann and me to intersect. On this platform, Ann’s content has always been packed with the most detailed – and esoterically fascinating – information about the natural world; particularly North American fungi (and to a slightly lesser degree, insects). And this content is always backed up with her stunning, professional-grade photography. Once I’d met Ann Simpson on Twitter, I literally began creating my own mycology handbook, incorporating much of her Twitter content – info and photos – for use in identifying and educating myself about the different mushrooms and fungal growth I routinely encounter in my own garden, and in the forest on my land. (I’m serious. I really have created for myself an honest-to-goodness “Ann in Bridge Lake Mushroom Manual.”)
From day one, Ann’s encyclopedic knowledge of mycology has proven to be totally spot-on, and of immeasurable value to me. Subscribers and regular readers of The Renaissance Garden Guy might remember “Weird and Stinky Fungus in Your Mulch? Get Rid of It Quick,” the article in which Ann’s expertise was instrumental in my identification and guilt-free eradication of a particularly nasty fungus which was taking over my garden’s mulched planting beds. And Ann’s mycological and entomological knowledge is routinely sought after, referenced, and cited by a multitude of tweeters throughout the twitterverse. I’ve always perceived her as THE mycology go-to of Twitter.
Imagine my surprise when I first learned that, in spite of her profound knowledge of the subject, Ann Simpson, aka Ann in Bridge Lake, does not possess a formal education in the field of mycology…
I’d first started thinking about interviewing Ann for The Renaissance Garden Guy at about this time last year, but I didn’t actually broach the subject with her until late this past summer. When we finally did discuss the possibility of an interview, I learned a number of amazing things about Ms. Simpson. Ann’s educational training was not in mycology, as I’d assumed all along; it was in business administration and accounting. As a high-level district business manager for a large multinational corporation, Ann utilized her well-honed forensic accounting skills in painstakingly detailed reviews of intricate financial statements – including critical monthly district Profit and Loss reports. Her thorough knowledge of, and experience with, established reporting systems, coupled with her dogged research capabilities, equipped her with razor-sharp forensic accounting skills. She was ultimately nicknamed “CSI,” by fellow members of her management team, for her critical role in uncovering a scheme to defraud her company’s district.
So it is with these remarkable research skills and this peerless investigative pedigree that Ann Simpson combs British Columbia’s South Cariboo region in search of her mycological (and entomological) quarry. By virtue of her specialized skill sets, she adds to her impressive knowledge base and high-level expertise on a daily basis. She is brilliant, but humble. She hesitates to call herself an “expert.” Rather, she demurely considers herself a “citizen scientist,” and reserves her utmost respect and consideration for the credentialed mycologists with whom she frequently associates and corresponds. But I remain unconvinced that her modesty is appropriate. I’ve been the beneficiary of her knowledge and expertise, and I’ve seen stark evidence of them in both black and white and in full color. I’m betting that Ann in Bridge Lake is exactly the expert she professes not to be.
I am dying to pick her brain.
An Interview with a Citizen Scientist
JS: In an earlier discussion, you mentioned to me that you’ve lived in the Bridge Lake/South Cariboo region of British Columbia for almost twelve years. I’m guessing that you’ve done some serious exploring of the land in that time. Can you give me a general idea of the topography and climate of this incredibly beautiful part of the world? And I’m curious, as I’m sure many of my gardening readers are, about the region’s particular plant hardiness zone. Can you fill us in?
AS: Absolutely, let’s start there. Bridge Lake is a small unincorporated community within the larger unincorporated Interlakes district in the South Cariboo region of British Columbia, Canada. The area comprises several smaller lakes surrounded by wetlands, mountain meadows, aspen and conifer forests, with plenty of ranches and hayfields. It is a popular recreational destination for fishing, camping, and horseback riding in summer, and for ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter. The nearest town for our shopping and services is 100 Mile House which is 50 km (31 miles) from where we live, about a 40 minute drive. Our climate is less temperate than other nearby areas due to the average altitude being 1200 meters (over 3600 feet) – winter usually starts by the end of October and can last until March or April. It isn’t unusual for some people to relocate here from Vancouver and then decide to leave by the following year once they’ve lived through one of our winters.
Being in Zone 4 for hardiness, our growing season is impacted by low humidity, sudden temperature changes, heavy snowfall and high-intensity sunlight. In spite of this, we are able to maintain a flower garden of yarrow, soapwort, fleabane and flax, with a few other bee and insect favourites to add some colour for a few short months. And vegetables are part of the menu as well – potatoes, carrots, container gardens for lettuce and other greens, and with some extra effort we are able to keep our freezers stocked over the winter with raspberries.
JS: It seems that this part of the world would be the perfect place for someone to satisfy more than just a passing curiosity about the subject of fungi. Did your interest in mycology bring you here, or did you acquire your passion for the subject after you arrived? And if you did begin studying mycology after you moved to the Bridge Lake/South Cariboo region, how much of your interest do you attribute to your surroundings?
AS: My arrival to this area was for personal and familial reasons. Ask anyone who spends many years in a corporate culture, and eventually one questions “is this what I really want anymore?” For myself the answer was no, so I decided to do my own culture shift away from what I previously thought was important, to just finding out what I would enjoy. My parents were already living in this area, so over the years I was able to visit and explore a sense of what it might be like to live here. My father actually grew up in a part of this region called Canim Lake, so his return here with my mother about 20 years ago provided some inherited ties as well. They are in their 80’s now, but still very much active, healthy and independent, and a large part of my being here was to be nearby and able to help them if and when the need arises.
One of my first interests here was simply getting outside for walks and hikes. Just taking the time to enjoy and observe the surroundings, the forests, plants and wildlife. Then one’s eye starts to notice the changes that occur over the days and weeks. One day you walk past a fallen tree, a few days later you notice the same tree but now it is covered in a group of small mushrooms or interesting bracket-like growths. I was beginning to fall in love but it was at this time just a feast for the eyes. Soon you begin to ask yourself “What are the names of these fungi I’m seeing and how do I find out?” You buy some books and visit mycology websites, then the hook is planted.
JS: I’m curious about your research methodology. Can you walk me through your process of locating, identifying, and cataloguing a particular specimen?
AS: Sure thing! I like to search areas where there are a variety of woods and substrates. Whether it’s a conifer forest, aspen forest or an area of mixed woods, something will be growing there. Some times of the year are better than others and long hot, dry spells can have a negative impact on conditions for finding fungi. An ideal location for me in this area is finding a spot where there are more conifers than hardwoods, preferably situated on the south side of a lake. There will usually be damp, moss covered ground and wood to explore, as well as fallen or damaged trees from exposure to high winds.
Identifying fungi is really just about establishing a set of keys by observing features to build a profile; and photos are an effective tool as some details may be difficult to see in the field and the close-up views from photos will help with that.
My first step is obtaining the date, time, and GPS location of the specimen with a smart phone photo which is very important if there is ever an outside interest in my find.
Then it’s making some observations about the substrate or host, and the habitat. Fungi are definitely about relationship status and most cannot be accurately identified without those relationship particulars. This involves identifying the host or substrate, or noting the soil conditions and what species of plants or trees are near the specimen.
Now, attention is turned to the fungi. I start with taking photos from different angles of it as found (in situ), capturing as much as possible about the general shape/appearance, cap details and growth characteristics and whether it is a single specimen, a scattered grouping, or clusters.
Next, I remove a specimen or two and take photos of all the underside features, such as details of the gills and stem, or the pore surface if it is a bracket polypore. An important step here is that if the mushroom is terrestrial, then it must be dug out (not pulled) in order to preserve the buried, basal part of the stem. This also gives me an opportunity to briefly do a tactile examination, and for the record, one cannot be poisoned by just touching a mushroom.
I do collect specimens to examine further at home. First are measurements of cap and stem, and then cutting off a piece of the cap for obtaining a spore print. Short of microscopy or DNA testing, this can be one of the best aids for identification. Then I perform a detailed examination of the flesh and stem for colour changes or staining, any type of fluids or latex, detectable odors, and, if necessary, taste. Lastly, I will do a closer review using my photos to make note of all the visual features of the cap, stem and underside. All of these steps fill in my keys, and now I have a profile to use for identification.
If it’s a new species to me, then I will consult an array of excellent regional resources. One of the best websites for British Columbia belongs to the South Vancouver Island Mycological Society. Books are helpful too, but I prefer them to be province-based as well as current, and the best ones will organize their sections by spore print colour. If it appears to be a species not covered adequately, then I hunt for any recent studies or journal publications. Technology advancements with AI have become a method of identification for many today, but my experience shows that it still has a way to go to be completely accurate. At its best, it can be a tool for suggestions at the family or genus level to investigate, but isn’t quite there yet for consistently correct species-level identifications.
After trying a number of online sites, I settled on using iNaturalist for posting my observations. It has a friendly user interface, and I can include all my identification notes as well. It also has features for journals and projects, the taxonomy is kept current with links to studies, and the data is available for download. I also do my own cataloguing of photos, spore prints and occasionally specimens, where I use a method to dry these so as to preserve the DNA.
JS: According to most textbooks in the US and Canada, there are six biological kingdoms (taxonomic rankings) existing on the planet: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Archaea, and Bacteria. How old is the kingdom Fungi and how extensive is its global distribution? And how does Fungi, as a kingdom, compare, in terms of these criteria, to Animalia (animals) and Plantae (plants)?
AS: Fungi have been around for a long time. Most of the fossilized remains that have been located are microscopic and date back 400 to 600 million years ago, and one suspected find in the Arctic could push that even further back to 900 million to 1 billion years ago. Today, fungi are found virtually everywhere throughout the tropical and temperate areas of the world, but there still isn’t a complete number on how many species there are. Some estimates are that fungi outnumber plants 6 to 1, and one places the total number of species worldwide at over 5 million. The most accepted number is probably 2.2 to 3.8 million species, but regardless of the true count only about 150,000 species have been identified.
Why are fungi different from plants or animals? The answer lies not in what they eat, but how they eat. Plants generally create their food using the sun’s energy (photosynthesis), while animals (like us) consume and internally digest our food. Fungi don’t do either of those: they use their mycelium (more on that later) to grow around or into a food source and to secrete an enzyme that externally digests the food, after which the digested nutrients are absorbed by the mycelium. Most fungi feed from decaying or dead organisms such as leaf litter and wood, but some are parasitic like Hypomyces genus which will even consume other fungi.
JS: Are there any families, genera, species, etc. within the kingdom Fungi which you would consider your specialty or specialties?
AS: I’ve always had a soft spot for the Fomitopsis conk style fungi. There have been a couple of new species added in the last 5 years due to DNA studies confirming that the colour-banded ones found in North America are distinct from the Eurasian species, but they remain part of the complex, overall. Another one would be Trichaptum subchartaceum, a bracket polypore with a lovely purple pore surface. It differs from the more common and toothed T. biforme in that while it also grows on hardwood, T. subchartaceum has a special affinity for Populus tree species, particularly Trembling Aspen, our predominant hardwood species, and the pore surface is not toothed, but still a beautiful purple colour when fresh.
JS: How many different species of known fungi inhabit the Bridge Lake/South Cariboo region in British Columbia?
AS: There isn’t a complete number of fungi species that could be found in this area, but there are about 4,500 species that have been recorded finds in British Columbia as well as hundreds of named species that could be found in British Columbia once we start looking for them. An example of this would be the Simocybe genus: there are 3 labeled species finds from BC, but several more are suspected to be present. In the past, I’ve found what I believe to be some in this genus, but it is difficult to establish this without an ongoing study to participate in.
For my part, I’ve managed to locate 207 taxa and 139 species in this area – and the number would likely be higher if our winters and snow accumulations didn’t last 5 months. Additionally, my interest is not limited to the number of species found here, but also the distribution and location of those species already known to be here.
JS: Have you ever encountered any previously undocumented/unknown specimens? And if so, have you received credit for the discovery(s)?
AS: I haven’t been fortunate enough yet to find what would be considered a new fungi species, but some of my finds have been interesting. One was an Entoloma subgenus member, Leptonia cyanea var. occidentalis. Shortly after I found it, I was contacted by a researcher from one of the US universities in the Pacific Northwest who was hoping that I would be able to provide samples for a new DNA study of this group (and I was). The study is an ongoing one, and they have remained in contact to provide me with ongoing status updates, and will provide me with access to the final study to be published when completed.
A find from last year was a very beautiful looking mushroom that was recognizable as some type of pink-spored species, but not one that I had previously encountered. Eventually, I believed that it must be a member of the Pluteus Plautus group of Deer Mushrooms, but some doubt lingered as there did not appear to be a record that I could find of it being in British Columbia, but nothing to indicate that it couldn’t be. I was 99% sure that this was the correct identification and recorded the find as such, and this ID was soon confirmed by a member group of the North American Mycological Society.
JS: You have encountered and researched a huge number of fungal genera and species. Which would you say is the most beautiful? The strangest/most unusual? How many are poisonous?
AS: There are so many fungi species that I would call beautiful. Scalycaps (Pholiota) and Brittlegills (Russula) always impress me with their diversity of appearance, as do many of the bracket polypores which can be a visual surprise when one looks at the underside. And no one forgets finding any species of Hericium – so large, with long, white drooping spines that can be mistaken for icicles. But having to choose, the most beautiful mushroom find was my first (and so far only) Peppery Roundhead (Stropharia pseudocyanea). It is one of the blue Stropharia species, but of a smaller size with a longer stem; and the cap colours, for a short period, are a mixture of pastel blue, green and cream which contrasts with gills that are a light coffee or taupe colour. Very stunning before it matures and transitions to its straw-coloured form.
I actually have two competitors for the most unusual that I’ve seen. This past summer, the trails on our property were full of Orange Webcaps (Cortinarius mucosus), an aptly named orange-capped mushroom. Always quite viscid, the younger specimens have their gills sheathed in webbing and the entire mushroom is thickly coated in heavy slime, which is why another common name for this is the Slimy Cortinarius. The other I would have to say is Pycnoporellus alboluteus, a polypore that I can find here on both conifer and aspen, usually on the lower sides of fallen trees. A combination of bright and dull orange colours, it is comprised of very long tubes and visibly angular pores that would make one think that it is a very tough customer, but it actually is very light and wonderfully spongy to the touch, hence the sometimes-common name of Orange Sponge Polypore.
Many of the fungi here are considered edible, but are not considered choice. Others, like our resident Honey Mushroom species Armillaria sinapina, are “edibility unknown,” and of course, some are known to be either toxic enough to make one rather sick like the Poison Pies (Hebeloma), or very poisonous so as to induce permanent health damage or death – examples of each are the Brown Roll-rim (Paxillus involutus) and the Funeral Bell (Galerina marginata).
My interest in fungi doesn’t extend to the edibility or possible medicinal aspects, and I personally do not forage for edible species to consume. There are some whose interest in fungi is only collecting for consumption and they limit their knowledge to edible species. And that’s perfectly fine – it’s a fun, acceptable pastime. For myself, I do not focus on those attributes and prefer not to advise anyone on the edibility of a particular species. My recommendation for those who would like to learn to collect mushrooms for the dining table is to join one of the many foraging groups that can be found everywhere so one can learn about these species in the field under the guidance of an expert. Please do not rely on advice from strangers or the internet.
JS: Here’s a weird one. Over the years, I’ve seen clusters of mushrooms growing in lawns and in mulch. These mushrooms appear after periods of rain or high humidity. After awhile, they disappear, only to return to the same locations after additional precipitation or humidity. Even though they disappear, they come back in exactly the same spots. Are they ever really gone? Or do they exist in some state of dormancy until the rain revives them? Can you explain this phenomenon?
AS: Great question! It’s true, once some fungi have appeared in a certain spot it’s pretty likely they’ll be seen there again. Earlier I recounted my experience finding a Leptonia species of scientific interest, but I didn’t mention that I’ve been able to find this year after year in exactly the same place around this one particular stump. The reasons behind this aren’t really a mystery, but it’s still a fascinating detail about mushrooms.
What has happened in this spot is that mushroom spores in the past had “seeded” there, and beneath the ground sprouted into hyphae, a mycological term for the branching filaments that spring from the spores, and a mass of hyphae is called the mycelium. Mycelia from spores only hold half the genetic material needed to create new generations, so when two hyphae meet that are a mycelial match (each holding a different half of the genetic material), it just needs the right conditions to produce the fruiting body – and that’s where the weather can have an impact. Fungi just need a mixture of cool temperatures and moisture, followed by a little warmth to complete this process. Many fungi also have a preferred season when they appear, which is why we only see certain species at particular times of the year, and if weather conditions aren’t ideal, the mycelium will just continue to grow in the substrate, waiting until the next year for another opportunity. All of this is why fungi enthusiasts don’t hesitate to pick a mushroom – because doing so won’t prevent any future regrowth.
JS: Do mushrooms and other fungi have actual roots? If not, how do they attach themselves to the surfaces upon which they grow?
AS: Mycelium is considered the network – or root system – of fungi, and it does form the basis of attachment to its preferred host or substrate. Saprophytic fungi feed on decaying organic material, so the mycelium will generate inside hosts such as wood and dead leaves, or even tree cones and insects. Mycorrhizal fungi will have a symbiotic relationship with a plant, and the mycelium will grow around the roots of its preferred source of food. One example found here in Bridge Lake is the Aspen Bolete (Leccinum insigne) which can be found growing near Trembling Aspen trees.
JS: Do most fungi spread via airborne spores?
AS: Most fungi do spread their spores through the air, but water can be a conduit too. Spores can be captured by raindrops and successfully dispersed into a suitable host or substrate. There are also some fascinating aquatic fungi being discovered that have no means of dispersing spores other than water. One study proposes that some mushrooms may not be dependent on external winds, but are instead capable of creating their own convective air flow through evaporation, which explains their need for water and ability to tolerate crowding. It is estimated that a single mushroom could possibly produce up to a billion spores daily during this phase in its life cycle.
JS: At first glance, your educational and professional background would seemingly leave you ill-equipped for the rigorous and detailed study of mycology. My initial thought was “What does business administration and accounting have to do with mushrooms?” But once you dialed me in to your overall curriculum vitae, it was easier for me to see how your transition from business professional to full-on mycologist could be a natural one. Can you explain how your research and investigative skills, your attention to the finest and most subtle financial reporting details, and your expertise in the highly-specialized skill of forensic accounting contribute to not only your prowess as a mycologist, but to your interest in the subject as well?
AS: It is an odd connection, isn’t it? When I was in business management, one of my responsibilities would be reviewing various monthly reports, the most important being the P&L (Profit and Loss). This was a report listing sum totals generated by three separate product line departments for revenue, margin, and profit totals as compared to a forecast of intended results from the beginning of the fiscal month. Whether it was reviewing hits and misses, or spotting a single line item result that was out of step with prior trends, the figures were just a bucket for all the various project or operating accounts, and the individual transactions placed into those accounts. If a specific margin or cost percent seemed odd, it would be a flag to drill down into each level of the bucket to eventually locate the specific line item, then traced to the original source documents that generated the transaction which matched the value of the flagged amount. An audit of the source would typically reveal a correctable accounting error, but was also necessary to ensure the integrity of the business transaction.
These are the habits and approach that I still use when identifying fungi. The features of a particular find will usually tell from what class, order, or family I need to start. Then using the identification keys I’ve established, I can move down into genus or sub-genus section or complex to find a number of species or subspecies that I need to investigate to locate the one that fits my keys. For me, having an effective approach that can be successful is likely what fuels and maintains my interest with fungi. It’s definitely almost as much fun figuring out what a mushroom is as it is finding it in the first place!
JS: You’ve told me that you hesitate to consider yourself an “expert” in mycology because you continue to learn. But doesn’t the acquisition of knowledge – for experts in any field – continue indefinitely? At what point will you have attained the level of knowledge which you consider requisite for “expert” status? Don’t you think you’re being just a little modest?
AS: I don’t disagree with these points. There are some well-known individuals who have spent a lifetime developing their knowledge of fungi and are field experts that are in high demand with authors and credentialed mycologists. I don’t believe that it is being modest to recognize that I’ve only been doing this for a very small fraction of the time in comparison and haven’t matched the investment or contributions of these individuals. I won’t hesitate to admit that there is a confidence I have in knowing what I know, but I prefer that it is a measured confidence rather than over-confidence. If I’m going to apply the standard of “expert” to myself, then I would like to take another step and explore using microscopy to extend my knowledge of mycology to the next level before I do so.
JS: On Twitter, you’ve demonstrated an amazing knowledge and appreciation of a number of different insect genera and species. How long have you been interested in entomology, and how extensive is your study of the subject?
AS: My interest in insects and arachnids didn’t really develop until I had the skill to photograph them – before that they were great models and practice subjects. Once you have decent photos, then it’s easier to look closely and attempt identifications because I’m not too inclined to run after them with bug jars or butterfly nets! Bridge Lake is a very buggy area, sometimes uncomfortably so in late spring and summer with the biting hordes of mosquitoes and flies. My study isn’t as extensive as with fungi, but sometimes I will head outside into the hayfield with the sole purpose of looking for insects in the hopes of finding something new, or sometimes I just luck into an opportunity while I’m out on a fungi hike.
JS: Is the insect and spider biodiversity in the Bridge Lake region as extensive as that of fungi?
AS: I would say that insect biodiversity is greater than fungi, and that this holds true overall for British Columbia. Bridge Lake is even known for being the only place in BC where the Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile) is found, even though it is fairly widespread in other parts of Canada and the US. It’s estimated that there are about 35,000 species of insects, plus thousands of other arachnids and other arthropods in this province, with fewer than half being identified. Even most of the ants in the central and northern parts of BC aren’t identified yet.
I can even contribute something personal to this dilemma. This last summer, I saw my first ever Hornet Fly (Spilomyia) in this area, but was not able to identify it to species level. My observation has been reviewed, but the best answer so far is perhaps it is some unknown sub-species of S. sayi. And that’s where it still sits today.
JS: Your photography of fungi, insects and other animals, plants and flowers, and landscapes is excellent. How long have you been into photography, and do you have professional training?
AS: Thank you so much for saying that. My interest in photography probably started when I got my first smart phone a few years ago. Before that, this area didn’t have a cell tower or even good options for internet, so it never made sense to acquire one until then. My interest in fungi really accelerated once I started taking photos of my finds, and then I also became equally interested in just photography when I happened to discover that my father had this 15+ year old Samsung Pro-815 camera that he rarely used. Living remotely where we do, there aren’t many opportunities to take classes or training so I just taught myself. I didn’t try to learn everything at once, but just tried to master one or two elements at a time, and whenever I needed a bit of advice or tips, there was always the internet. I’m still using this camera today. It was considered fairly high-end when it first came out, with very nice built-in macro features, and it’s rugged enough for the type of terrain and lay-down positions needed with fungi. And I must add that another beautiful thing about fungi is that they are the perfect subjects for practicing photography. The wind never causes them to move around endlessly, they never run or fly away, and they won’t try to bite you.
JS: In some of our earlier discussions, I learned of your passion for great literature and art of all kinds (fine art, film, etc.). What are some of your favorite literary classics, art forms, and films?
AS: I do love reading, and my enjoyment of Raymond Carver was something you already knew about me. Some stories and authors just have that power to stay with you once you’ve read their work. I’ve never forgotten the first time I read The Grass Harp by Truman Capote. I used to spend many hours in secondhand book stores looking for anything written by Harlan Ellison – so many of his works are strangely out-of-print. And Flannery O’Connor still remains my all-time favourite short story writer; I can happily reread any of her work. Another addictive genre is historical non-fiction, especially books by Fergus Fleming, Erik Larson, William Rosen, and, of course, it’s part of the Canadian experience to have read Pierre Berton.
I don’t have any particular type of film that I prefer overall and we could probably do a separate interview covering all my favourites from silent to foreign films. I still love watching The Best Years of our Lives (1946) anytime it’s on, and if I’m selecting my best film so far this century then it would be There Will Be Blood (2007). Two of the best things I’ve ever watched from television were the mini-series Chernobyl (HBO, 2019) and Station Eleven (HBO, 2021) – worthy rivals to any film and I highly recommend both.
JS: In an earlier article here on The Renaissance Garden Guy, I referred to you as a “renaissance woman.” I believe this is an appropriate characterization. You are, after all, well-versed in many forms of art, your professional background is replete with expertise in commerce and business administration, you are a lover of nature in all its forms, and your intellectual passions and pursuits within the highly-specialized fields of mycology and entomology are more than noteworthy. Tell me, Ms. Simpson, will your characteristic grace, humility, and modesty prevent you from confirming the fact that you are an amazingly well-rounded individual with truly protean proclivities and abilities? And how do you find the time to indulge all these passions and interests?
AS: Oh dear, it’s difficult to step outside of myself to answer that and I thank you again for your kindness in saying this. I’m probably a bit too introverted to agree, but that doesn’t mean I am not fully comfortable and at ease with who I am. I was very fortunate to achieve my financial goal of not having to invest all of my time in a career and was able to stop when I wanted, rather than working until retirement age. My time became my property and not someone else’s. I’ve invested that time to discover many interests I enjoy with commitment, and usually do not discard any of the older ones when I decide to add a new one. Is that a path for becoming well-versed and as you say, protean? Perhaps recipe is a better term. Anyone can tinker with a recipe and see what happens when you make changes – sometimes it turns out better than the one that you thought you had to follow.
Many Thanks to Ann in Bridge Lake
The long and short of it is like this: As it pertains to Ann in Bridge Lake, I still believe that an interview with a citizen scientist is actually a Q&A session with an expert mycologist (in spite of Ms. Simpson’s protestations). Learning here about the strange and glorious denizen’s of the beautiful land which Ann Simpson calls home, and about the mycologist herself, was a wonderful, edifying experience for me. I easily could’ve asked her 1,001 more questions – the subject, and her take on it, is that broad and that fascinating. But I’m more than satisfied with the answers I got to the questions I did ask. And, my dear readers and subscribers, I hope that you are, too.
I owe Ann Simpson a world of thanks for the wonderful opportunity to conduct this interview, and for all of the fabulous photography and wonderful information she’s shared here. Further, I’m forever grateful to Ann for all the ongoing expertise she lends in my own mycological and entomological fact-finding missions. And on behalf of Twitter and the twitterverse, I want to thank her for the wonderful content she shares there – a whole bunch of people on that platform really love, appreciate, and rely on her investigative and photographic efforts.
My dear readers and subscribers, I’m glad you’ve had the opportunity to read “An Interview with a Citizen Scientist” and to learn a bit about the remarkable Ann Simpson and her fascinating work. And of course, I thank you for your continued and very kind interest and readership – I am very grateful.
Happy Holidays to those who celebrate, and as always, Cheers, and Happy Gardening!
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Thank you for such a fascinating interview with that spectacular lady.
Thank you so much for reading it, Ann. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it. And I must agree with your assessment of Ann Simpson – she’s really remarkable. Thanks once again, Ann!
What an extremely interesting article, I took a lot of time trying to assimilate everything… I love the subject, always had an interest in fungi …absolutely fantastic !!! I can say it’s one of your best interviews ever. She is so knowledgeable and her images are amazing. “CONGRATULATIONS” for this amazing article ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️🙏
Thank you so very much, Roxxy – I am so glad that you enjoyed Ann’s interview! I completely agree with you – Ann is incredibly knowledgeable, and her photography is spectacular. Like you, I’ve always been interested in the subject of mycology, but truthfully had no idea where to begin. Ann’s research methodology makes perfect sense, and is not surprising given her background in forensic accounting. Her knowledge – and the photographic portfolio she’s created of her subject – have provided me with the perfect intro to this fascinating field. I’m so glad that this one resonated with you in a similar way. Thank you so much for reading the interview, and for your lovely and kind comments, Roxxy. Your interest and kindness are dearly appreciated.
I will never again walk in the woods without looking for fungi!
Ann is a remarkable woman.
Thank you for sharing her knowledge with your readers.
They really are fascinating organisms. And you’re right about Ann. She definitely is remarkable. Thank you so much for reading the interview – I’m very happy that you enjoyed it!
Very interesting article. Ann is truly a “citizen scientist.” Her knowledge about fungi is astounding. I never realized there are so many different types. We all need to be more observant of the natural world that is all around us. Her photographs really help bring her words to life. I hope we will continue to hear more from her in the future.
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview, Kevin. You’re absolutely correct. Ann’s expertise is amazing, her research methodology is remarkable, and her photography really is excellent. And she lives and does her research in such a beautiful part of the world – the scenery is breathtaking! Thanks so much for reading the interview, Kevin! Again, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Bravo. I’ve read this excellent interview with huge interest and emotion, because I admire and adore the fabulous and surprisingly humble “Ann in Bridge Lake”. I’m very happy to know more about her, and her telling was really enchanting and enjoyable. I remember “#Fungi” led our meeting (by that time, I used to post photos of mushrooms with short funny comments in twitter). Her impressive photos, large knowledge and kindness didn’t go unnoticed for me. Since them (one year or so) we’ve been faithful followers of one another. Her opinion is one of the most important for me (when I see her “like”, “I can rest in peace”). Furthermore, John, you know how I love your writing, any genre. Truly, I think no interview I read I’ll like as much as this. Congratulations to both of you.
Thank you so much, Maria! I appreciate your kind words, and I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed this interview. As you’ve mentioned, Ann really is a fascinating, gracious, and humble person with a great deal of talent and ability. (Frankly, I’m not surprised that the two of you follow each other so closely, as you yourself possess the same attributes!) But getting back to Ann… She has been incredibly helpful to me in the identification of various fungi and insect genera and species, and she was a joy to interview. And in spite of her modesty, she really is an expert. I’m absolutely thrilled that you’ve enjoyed this interview, Maria. I must admit that I did, too. Ann has been wonderful. Thank you once again, Maria!