West Coast Rare Fungi
Join fellow citizen scientists to find and document a target list of rare, under-documented or potentially threatened fungi. Scientists and conservationists need more data on these fungi in order to better understand and protect them. Your high quality observations can make a difference.
The West Coast Challenge Regions
Which mushrooms are rare?
The Fungal Diversity Survey (FUNDIS) began the West Coast Rare Fungi Challenge in October 2020 with 10 species. The list was expanded to 20 species in 2022. Below is a graphic of the full list of 20. You will find a full size PDF file of the poster below, plus very detailed PDF brochures describing each species at the FUNDIS West Coast Rare Challenge website. Note: Along with Dr. Else Villenga, CMS members Dr Bitty Roy and Dr Roo Vandegrift authored the original 10 rare fungi brochures.
If you want to learn how the species are selected to be on the “Rare list”; Elsa Villenga will tell you all about it here.
Participating is easy:
- Decide which of the fungi below might be growing in a habitat that you are planning to visit.
- Print out the information in the links for the species you’re interested in and bring it along, or have it handy on your phone.
- If you think you’ve found one of the Rare 20, follow the instructions on the pamphlet for each species. Consider emailing us at westcoast_rare@fundis.org to let us know, and to ask any questions.
- We are also very interested in other fungi that you might find in these habitats. Consider joining our iNaturalist Project and sharing your observation there. Instructions are here, if you’re unsure how to do this.
- Please get a collecting permit if you’re thinking of visiting an area where collecting is restricted. More information can be found here.
The West Coast Challenge Wanted Posters
