We have huge news! Introducing...

The NEWEST Rare Fungi Challenge! Get ready: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, & Wyoming

Dear mushroom hunters and community scientists alike,

Last year, YOUR observations of the target species from Fungal Diversity Survey’s Rare Fungi Challenges were instrumental for fungal conservation. Here at FUNDIS, the staff extend a large THANK YOU to those community scientists who gave back and got involved by volunteering their time to rare fungi. YOU made 2,145 observations of 48 species in 2024 AND initiated IUCN Fungal Red List Assessments for our rare target species.

In response to your overwhelming support, we have moved to bring MORE WAYS to get involved this Earth Day:

• Your donation today will be DOUBLED up to $500 thanks to a match from Hamilton’s Mushrooms. Donate by the end of Earth Week for your DONATION DOUBLED.

• You can NOW be on the lookout for the newest 20 target rare fungi…

MEET THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN RARE FUNGI CHALLENGE

20 rare, under-documented, or potentially threatened macrofungi species of the Rocky Mountains

This is a project for the mushroom community, MADE BY the mushroom community.

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Your donation TODAY will be doubled, up to $500, thanks to a match from Hamilton’s Mushrooms.

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Meet the newest 20 target rare fungi

With the project on iNaturalist and Mushroom Observer, finding rare fungi is as easy as clicking “join” on the project.

We encourage you to reach out to your favorite local mushroom clubs in the area to ask them to print the PDF and keep a keen eye out for the rare fungi at forays.

Behind the Scenes

In great part, the FUNDIS Rocky Mountain Rare Fungi Challenge was made possible by one FUNDIS Board Chair Anne Lee Foster as well as Amy Honan, professor and mycologist; Cathy Cripps, professor and mycologist; and Mila Garelle-Essam, incoming Coordinator of the Challenge.

They selected the mysterious - underground, even - species to make the cut.

“Fungi are so interesting because they exist largely out of sight and ephemerally come into our view. They also teach me about the importance of relationships and the cycle of life.”

Mila Garelle-Essam, incoming Coordinator

“From insect guts to desert soils to flower nectaries, fungi exist everywhere and support all of earth's ecosystems. Despite their ubiquity and importance, we know less than 5% of the world's fungi. Documenting fungi through efforts such as the FUNDIS Rare Fungi Challenge is one way that we begin to understand the diversity of these important species. These challenges create a foundation from which we can work to conserve these essential resources.”

Amy Honan, professor and mycologist

“The thrill of finding a rare fungus hidden in its special niche is a life time event! And finding one at 12,000 feet in the alpine is stratospheric phenomenon!”

Cathy Cripps, professor and mycologist

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Consider supporting FUNDIS by purchasing merch from our Bonfire store, including our newest T-shirts and hoodies!

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YOU can help us realize FUNDIS’s vision and make it a reality:

We envision a world in which the fungal kingdom is fully documented, appreciated, and protected.

FUNDIS Funga Decoded Newsletter is a reader-supported publication for fungal biodiversity and conservation. To support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber by clicking the button below!!