Fungi Enthusiasts Uncover Rare Species, Highlighting Need for Conservation

Citizen scientists play key role in documenting fungal diversity and threats

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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In California's Napa County, fungi scientists Jessica Allen and Jesse Miller are part of a growing community working to protect the wondrous and mystical world of fungi. They joined other amateur researchers on a recent expedition to search for the elusive Manzanita butter clump mushroom and document lichen diversity, underscoring the important role citizen scientists play in fungal conservation efforts.

Why it matters

Fungi are essential to life on Earth, contributing an estimated $54 trillion to the global economy, but only about 6% of the estimated 2.5 million fungal species have been documented. Conservation efforts to protect threatened fungi species have lagged in the U.S. compared to other parts of the world, making the work of citizen scientists critical to understanding fungal diversity and the threats they face from climate change, habitat loss, and overharvesting.

The details

On a recent expedition in California, dozens of lichenologists and amateur lichen lovers fanned out across a reserve to closely examine rocks and trees, documenting the incredible variety of lichen species. While they did not find the rare Manzanita butter clump mushroom, the day was still considered a success as the citizen scientists made important observations and discoveries that contribute to the growing understanding of fungal diversity. Groups like the California Lichen Society play a key role in these conservation efforts, with their members often making important fungal discoveries and monitoring rare species over time.

  • The Manzanita butter clump mushroom was last seen in California's Napa County two years ago.
  • The recent expedition took place on a chilly day.

The players

Jessica Allen

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

Jesse Miller

An ecologist and the president of the California Lichen Society.

Larry Cool

A chemist with a 53-year interest in lichens, which he uses as natural dyes.

Ken Kellman

A retired air conditioning and heating mechanic who has become an amateur lichenologist, helping scientists discover the biodiversity in his hometown of Santa Cruz, California.

Gregory Mueller

The co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's fungal conservation committee, who coordinates all fungal protection activity across their global network.

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What they’re saying

“It's a pretty exciting time in fungal conservation.”

— Jessica Allen, mycologist for NatureServe

“Lichenologists make terrible hiking partners”

— Larry Cool, chemist

“Lichen are more than the sum of its parts and are mysteriously unpredictable. I get a lot of pleasure seeing the incredible variety of creation.”

— 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, retired air conditioning and heating mechanic

What’s next

Scientists will continue monitoring the Manzanita butter clump mushroom and other rare fungal species to better understand their populations and threats.

The takeaway

The work of citizen scientists is crucial to documenting fungal diversity and conservation efforts, as the U.S. lags behind other parts of the world in protecting threatened fungi species. Their passion and dedication to exploring the wondrous world of fungi is helping advance our understanding of these essential life-forms and the need to protect them.