This September, we're opening the EcoQuest to the entire kingdom of fungi! Fungi are an endlessly fascinating and mysterious kingdom. Mushrooms come in a glorious diversity of shapes, sizes, and colors—from the classic red-capped amanita to the bizarre bird’s nest fungi and alien-like earthstars.
Mycologists will say, “No fungi, no forests.” Fungi are crucial to the health of forests and many other habitats. As decomposers, fungi act as nature’s recyclers, breaking down dead plants and animals to return nutrients to the soil. They form symbiotic relationships with plants, with some plants even relying on fungi to germinate. Fungal mycelium connects plants underground, facilitating the transfer of water and nutrients across the forest floor.
Despite their vital roles in ecosystems, fungi are often overlooked and understudied. There are countless species yet to be described to science, and many ecological relationships waiting to be understood.
To contribute to our understanding of these fascinating organisms, let’s document Denver’s mushrooms on iNaturalist. Mushrooms, which are the fruiting body of the fungus, tend to pop up in the spring and fall, so September is a great time to make observations.
Here are some tips for capturing great mushroom photos:
As you explore Colorado’s rich fungal diversity this fall, share your findings on iNaturalist. Your observations will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about these important and intriguing organisms.
Below are some common species to observe this month in Denver:
• dune stinkhorn (Phallus hadriani)
• shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus)
• shaggy parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes)
• meadow mushroom (Agaricus campestris)
• common puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum)
• fairy ring marasmius (Marasmius oreades)
• fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)
• Dyad’s saddle (Cerioporus squamosus)
• Salt-loving agaricus (Agaricus bernardii)
Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus)
@fungalfireman
Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)
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