Fungi Fascinate Scientists and Aficionados Alike

Citizen scientists play a key role in fungi conservation efforts as the kingdom of life-forms faces increasing threats

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Fungi have long captivated scientists and enthusiasts, who are working to protect these essential life-forms that contribute an estimated $54 trillion to the global economy. Despite their importance, fungi have been largely overlooked in conservation efforts. However, that's starting to change, thanks in part to the efforts of citizen scientists and a greater understanding of fungi's diversity and threats, including climate change, habitat loss, and overharvesting.

Why it matters

Fungi are a crucial part of ecosystems, contributing to the health of forests and providing food and shelter for many animals. They also have numerous applications, from medicine to building materials. Yet, scientists have only documented about 6% of the estimated 2.5 million fungi species on Earth. Protecting these understudied organisms is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring their continued benefits to the environment and human society.

The details

Groups like the California Lichen Society are playing a key role in fungi conservation by documenting rare and little-known species through citizen science efforts. On a recent field trip, members scoured a reserve, searching for the elusive Manzanita butter clump mushroom and documenting the diverse array of lichens they encountered. While they didn't find the rare mushroom, the day was still considered a success, as the group's observations contribute to a growing understanding of fungi diversity and distribution. Fungi conservation in the U.S. is still lagging behind other parts of the world, but initiatives like these are helping to change that.

  • The Manzanita butter clump mushroom was last seen in California's Napa County two years ago.
  • The California Lichen Society field trip took place on January 24, 2026.

The players

Jessica Allen

A fungi scientist and mycologist for NatureServe, a hub for biodiversity data throughout North America. She is helping to accelerate and support fungal conservation efforts in the U.S. and Canada.

Jesse Miller

The president of the California Lichen Society, an organization that plays a key role in documenting and protecting lichen species through citizen science efforts.

Gregory Mueller

The co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's fungal conservation committee, who coordinates global efforts to protect fungi.

Nora Dunkirk

A botanist and mycologist at Portland State University's Institute for Natural Resources, working to document vulnerable plant and fungi species to aid conservation efforts.

California Lichen Society

A group of lichenologists and amateur lichen enthusiasts who conduct field trips and data collection to support the conservation of lichen species.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's so easy to get distracted, but there's so many lichen!”

— Jessica Allen, Fungi scientist and mycologist

“Lichenologists make terrible hiking partners”

— Larry Cool, Chemist

“It just keeps your brain in that place where you're saying 'Wow!' all the time. 'That's cool!' And that's my favorite place for my brain to be.”

— Ken Kellman, Amateur lichenologist

What’s next

Scientists and conservation groups will continue to work on documenting and protecting vulnerable fungi species, including through citizen science initiatives like those led by the California Lichen Society.

The takeaway

Fungi are essential to the health of ecosystems and have numerous applications, yet they have been largely overlooked in conservation efforts. The growing interest and involvement of citizen scientists, along with a greater understanding of fungi's diversity and threats, are helping to change that and ensure the protection of these fascinating and vital life-forms.