Soil and people are deeply connected through a vast world of microorganisms. These tiny organisms live, eat, die, and decompose—transforming food scraps into energy and nutrients that build healthy soils, supporting all life on our planet.

Join us as we break out the microscope for live soil and compost microscopy, exploring the microorganisms thriving in our soils and compost. We’re especially excited to take a deeper dive into the fungal communities of Arlington Garden, guided by Aaron Tupac of Exploring the Mycoverse!

This event is part of LA Compost's Soil Sessions, a free program designed to connect community members with the science of soil health. Join our Community Soil Health team to explore the fascinating world of microbial organisms that live within the soil. Participants will have the opportunity to view these organisms under a microscope in real-time and learn about their vital role in supporting our food systems and soil health.

About our Partner:

Aaron Tupac (they/them) is a mycologist, educator, community organizer, and speaker based in Los Angeles. Aaron is the organizer of the fungi-focused community education group Exploring the Mycoverse.

Aaron works for the Fungal Diversity Survey, the only nonprofit focused on North America's fungal biodiversity and conservation. They serve as a fungi collector for the California Fungal Diversity Survey, the first government-funded state-wide project of its kind.

Aaron is also the founding chair of the North American Mycological Association’s Conservation and Stewardship Committee.

Aaron is passionate about fungi conservation advocacy, ecological restoration, and making fungi education accessible for all ages and demographics. As a lover of the more-than-human world, they are fascinated with fungi and their essential role in the interconnection of all living beings.

To learn more about Aaron, visit: https://www.aarontupac.com/about.