Citizen Science Project Invites Neighbors of Alerce Andino National Park to Study Mycorrhizae Associated with Alerce Trees

“Mycorrhizal fungi are soil-dwelling fungi that form networks and establish mutualistic relationships, benefiting both the fungi and plants. Nearly all plants form these symbiotic associations, and that’s what we’re starting to explore today,” explains Dr. César Marín, academic and researcher at the Research and Innovation Center for Climate Change at Universidad Santo Tomás.

Under the shade of an 800-year-old alerce tree, a group of local residents listens attentively as Dr. Marín demonstrates how to collect soil samples by driving a steel tube into the ground. Rocío Urrutia Jalabert, researcher at Universidad de la Frontera and President of Corporación Alerce, joins him. “We are sampling to understand the relationship between the size of alerce trees and their mycorrhizal fungi—a universal symbiosis. The results will help us answer a question that’s not only relevant for alerce trees but for all trees worldwide: what is the relationship between tree size and fungal diversity?”

Participants, including local tour guides and educators, split into groups to measure the diameter of alerce trees at chest height, label bags, and collect soil samples. The project, part of an initiative by SPUN (Society for the Protection of Underground Networks) in collaboration with the Friends of Alerce Andino National Park Program of Rewilding Chile Foundation and CONAF, aims to strengthen local community involvement in scientific endeavors.

“We believe biodiversity conservation is far more effective when communities are actively involved. Making science accessible and engaging locals as research protagonists brings benefits to both sides: enriching scientists with traditional and local knowledge systems while fostering greater conservation commitment among communities,” explains Javiera Ide, project coordinator at Rewilding Chile Foundation.

Currently, the samples are being analyzed at the Research and Innovation Center for Climate Change at Universidad Santo Tomás to obtain data on soil biochemistry. They will then be sent to the United States for environmental DNA analysis to identify the mycorrhizal fungi coexisting with the ancient alerce trees of Alerce Andino National Park.

“What amazed me most is that we, as citizens, can actively contribute to science with expert guidance. It’s one thing to read about it, but an entirely different experience to do it. It’s an indescribable feeling to contribute to understanding the alerce tree—a species deeply connected to many of us in Correntoso,” shares Barbara Santana, an environmental educator and local resident.
In the coming months, scientists will present the preliminary findings to the Correntoso community, continuing this collaborative research in the next year.

Why Mycorrhizae and Alerce Trees?

The alerce tree is one of the oldest species on Earth, with some living over 3,600 years. It is critically endangered, with an estimated 250,000 ancient alerce trees remaining. Covering 50% of Alerce Andino National Park, this species supports immense biodiversity, sustaining life above and below ground.

Mycorrhizal fungi, in turn, form underground networks connecting plants. These networks help distribute nutrients across ecosystems and serve as significant carbon sinks globally.