Fungal Biodiversity Survey of the Caddo National Grasslands: Day Two

Caddo National Grasslands Fungal Biodiversity Survey: Bois d'Arc Trailhead

Date & Time: Sunday, May 17th, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Bois d'Arc Trailhead Day Use Area & Hunters Camp South of Coffee Mill Lake

Cost: FREE to the Public

Participants Must Be Ready to Sign USFS Volunteer Agreement & NTMA Event Waiver Forms

Get ready for an exciting and educational outdoor adventure as the North Texas Mycological Association (NTMA) invites you to join us for a Fungal Biodiversity Survey at the Bois d'Arc Trailhead Day Use area!

This FREE foray will take place on Sunday, May 17th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Caddo National Grasslands. Known for its ecologically biodiverse and pristine terrain, this area offers a unique habitat perfect for a spring fungal exploration. It’s an exceptional opportunity to explore the natural world of fungi in their native habitat while learning from experts and fellow enthusiasts.

Whether you're a seasoned mycologist or a beginner, this survey 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 a wide variety of 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 Survey:

• 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.

• Ecological Roles of Fungi: Mushrooms and fungi are essential to the health of our planet. During the foray, we’ll discuss their role in decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and forming symbiotic relationships with plants and trees.

• Therapeutic Benefits of Fungi: We’ll explore the medicinal properties of certain fungi, such as reishi and turkey tail, which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

• Edibility and Safety: The foray will cover which mushrooms are edible and which are toxic, with an emphasis on safety and distinguishing between look-alike species.

• Toxins and Poisonous Mushrooms: We’ll delve into the importance of understanding toxic mushrooms, their dangerous effects on the human body, and how to safely identify them.

• Practical Uses of Fungi: From mycoremediation to potential uses in bioengineering, we’ll share insights into how fungi are being harnessed in sustainability efforts and biotechnology.

Why You Should Join Us:

• Expert Education: Learn from experienced mycologists who are passionate about sharing their knowledge.

• Hands-On Experience: There's no better way to learn about fungi than by seeing, touching, and examining a wide variety of species in their natural environment.

• Community and Networking: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for mycology and nature.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a notebook, bottled water, and a camera to document your encounters. If you have a magnifying glass or identification book, feel free to bring those as well.

A Commitment to Education and Conservation: The NTMA is dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship and mycological education. By participating in this survey, you are supporting our efforts to voucher, catalog, and document local biodiversity to preserve the natural habitats that make North Texas unique.

iNaturalist: 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 in the North Texas region!