The Possible Presence of Mycorrhizae in the Chuckanut Marsh Wetland and the Lamentable Absence of Personality in Scientific Communication

A surge in research about mycorrhizae over the past few decades has revealed mycorrhizal associations to be critical to plant ecosystems. They are present in over 90% of plant species and allow them to share nutrients and information through fungal mycelia. The question of how pervasive mycorrhizae are in different habitats receives ever-changing answers as research continues. In this literature review, I explore what mycorrhizal species are likely to be present in a local ecosystem with diverse plant communities: the Chuckanut marsh estuary. I explain how I cross-referenced a plant species list from a Chuckanut marsh characterization study with plant species list that survey mycorrhizal status. I also reviewed literature about both mycorrhizal presence in wetland habitats and history of the study of mycorrhizae. I argue that Suzanne Simard can be credited with the popularity of the topic of mycorrhizae, through her scientific research but especially through her creative methods of communication to the public