December "Texas Star" Mushroom Foray - Arlington - River Legacy Park

Meeting Location Pin: The Legacy Pavilion Picnic Area.

Join the North Texas Mycological Association for our “Texas Star” Mushroom Foray at River Legacy Park in Arlington, TX!

Get ready for an exciting and educational outdoor adventure as the North Texas Mycological Association (NTMA) invites you to join us for our “Texas Star” Mushroom Foray at River Legacy Park in Arlington, TX! This guided foray will take place on December 14th, from 10:00am-12:00pm. It’s an exceptional opportunity to explore the natural world of fungi in their native habitat while learning from experts and fellow enthusiasts.

The elusive “Texas Star” mushroom (Chorioactis geaster) is a rare fungus that is the official state mushroom of Texas, known for its star-like shape and its tendency to make a hissing sound when releasing spores in late fall and early winter. It grows in North America on the dead wood of cedar elm trees but is also found in Japan, a mysterious geographical separation.

Whether you're a seasoned mycologist or a beginner, this foray is designed to be engaging and informative for all skill levels. The NTMA team will lead you through the trails and woodlands, where we’ll search for the “Texas Star” mushroom and a wide variety of other mushrooms, from the most common to the more obscure species. Along the way, we’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of fungi, covering topics such as.

What to Expect During the Foray:

• Exploration of Fungi Species: We’ll be searching for a diverse range of mushroom species, including edible mushrooms, medicinal fungi, and toxic varieties. Our experts will help you identify the unique characteristics of each type, discussing their habitats, growth patterns, and seasonal availability. You’ll learn how to recognize different fungi in their natural environment and understand the important role they play in ecosystems.

  
  

• Ecological Roles of Fungi: Mushrooms and fungi are essential to the health of our planet. During the foray, we’ll discuss the ecological importance of fungi, such as their role in decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and forming symbiotic relationships with plants and trees. Fungi are the unsung heroes of many ecosystems, and you’ll learn just how crucial they are to maintaining a healthy environment.

  
  

• Therapeutic Benefits of Fungi: Fungi are not only a crucial part of nature, but they also offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits. We’ll explore the medicinal properties of certain fungi, such as reishi and turkey tail, which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Learn how mushrooms are being studied for their potential health benefits, from boosting immunity to reducing inflammation.

  
  

• Edibility and Safety: The foray will cover which mushrooms are edible and which are toxic, with an emphasis on safety. Identifying mushrooms is an essential skill, and we’ll teach you how to distinguish between look-alike species, ensuring you know what to harvest and what to avoid. We’ll discuss various methods of preparing edible fungi, from cooking techniques to preservation methods.

  
  

• Toxins and Poisonous Mushrooms: Not all fungi are safe to eat. We’ll also delve into the importance of understanding toxic mushrooms, their dangerous effects on the human body, and how to safely identify them. Learn about well-known toxic mushrooms like Amanita phalloides (Death Cap) and Galerina marginata, as well as how to avoid dangerous mistakes when foraging.

  
  

• Practical Uses of Fungi: Beyond food and medicine, mushrooms have a wealth of practical uses. From mycoremediation (using fungi to clean up pollutants) to the potential of fungi in bioengineering, mushrooms are being explored for their innovative applications in many industries. We’ll share insights into how fungi are being harnessed in sustainability efforts and biotechnology.

  
  

Why You Should Join Us:

• Expert-Led Education: This foray will be led by experienced mycologists from NTMA who are passionate about fungi and dedicated to sharing their knowledge with you. Whether you're just starting to explore mushrooms or you're a long-time enthusiast, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the fascinating fungal world. Please be sure to join our iNaturalist Project and upload all photos of fungi you find so we can keep track of the fungal biodiversity located in the North Texas region!

  
  

• Hands-On Experience: There's no better way to learn about fungi than by experiencing them in their natural environment. This foray provides an opportunity to see, touch, and examine a wide variety of fungi species in person, helping to solidify your knowledge of mushroom identification and ecology.

  
  

• Scenic Location: River Legacy Park offers a beautiful setting for our foray, with its wooded trails and diverse ecosystems. The center is a prime location for spotting fungi, and the natural beauty of the area provides an idyllic backdrop for our exploration.

  
  

• Community and Networking: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for mycology and nature. Whether you're hoping to learn more, make new friends, or connect with others who share your interests, this foray is a fantastic opportunity to engage with fellow mushroom enthusiasts.

  
  

• What to Bring: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a notebook, bottled water, and feel free to bring a camera to document the fungi you encounter. If you have a magnifying glass or mushroom identification book, you are welcome to bring those as well.

  
  
  
  

How to Register:

Cost: FREE for Members / $20 for Non-Members / Kids under 10 are FREE

To reserve your spot, click here. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at contact@northtexasmycology.org.

A Partnership for Education and Conservation:

We are proud to partner with River Legacy Park for this event. Their commitment to environmental education, public access to nature and conservation makes them the perfect venue for our foray. We encourage attendees to check out their other programs and volunteer opportunities to support their efforts in preserving natural habitats.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mushrooms and fungi! Whether you're looking to enhance your foraging skills, deepen your knowledge of mycology, or simply enjoy a day in nature, our mushroom foray is sure to be an unforgettable experience. We look forward to seeing you there!

Also, please be sure to join our iNaturalist project and upload all photos of fungi you find so we can keep track of the fungal biodiversity located in the North Texas region!