Mycorrhizal fungi are critical to life on Earth. They have symbiotic relationships with surrounding plant life and are vital for the growth and health of forests. Today we are joined by Dr. Suzanne Simard, one most influential researchers on these fungi. Suzanne has largely contributed to the scientific acknowledgment to mycorrhizal ecology, as well as creating awareness about their critical role in local and global ecosystems.As we learn more about these subterranean networks, their function in the world more and more vital. We are in an era where we are losing our forests faster than we can understand (let alone protect) what we truly lose from deforestation. Suzanne is sounding the alarm by proclaiming what we've discovered so far. We discuss what we do know about the vitality of mycorrhizal communities, current and predicted repercussions of disturbing them, and how we can support their restoration.Topics covered:A dive into Suzanne’s personal and professional journey Why old growth forests are imperative What our world would look if we did not have mycorrhizal fungiThe function of mycorrhizal communities in local and global ecosystemsDark septate endophytic fungi and other forms of fungal symbiosis Suzanne’s book “Finding the Mother Tree”Show notes:Suzanne’s website: https://mothertreeproject.org/Lessons from fungi - Toby Kiers Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/toby_kiers_lessons_from_fungi_on_markets_and_economics?language=en