MushGiving 2025
A Mycelial Celebration
November 7-9
Location: Near Caddo National Grasslands
The North Texas Mycological Association (NTMA) invites you to our annual MushGiving Celebration, a three-day event from November 7th to 9th, focusing on the Caddo National Grasslands just an hour northeast of McKinney! This is more than just a celebration; it's a dedicated weekend to deepen your knowledge of mushrooms and strengthen our vibrant community of passionate mycophiles. Join us as we celebrate the incredible world of fungi and the crucial role they play in our ecosystem.
Experience & Expertise
We've brought together top experts in the field of mycology to share their knowledge with you. Our keynote speakers include renowned mycologist Dr. Christopher Hobbs, who will present on the profound health benefits of medicinal mushrooms. We are also honored to host Dr. David Lewis, who will provide a fascinating look at Texas fungi within herbarium collections and highlight the vital role these archives play in advancing mycology.
In addition to our keynotes, we have an array of culinary delights. Prepare your taste buds for unique cooking demonstrations featuring locally sourced, gourmet mushrooms from Emory Market Gardens, Mushroom Street Farms, and Big Tex Urban Farms. For those interested in getting hands-on, a special optional mushroom cultivation workshop is available for an additional $20. In this workshop, led by Angel Giron from Big Tex Urban Farms, you'll learn the fundamentals of cultivation and build your very own oyster mushroom kit to take home.
A Call to Citizen Scientists
This event is also an open call to all citizen scientists and nature lovers. Our primary goal is to expand our DNA Sequencing Program and help map out the local fungal biodiversity of the Caddo National Grasslands. This pristine wooded area has been a focal point for our events for years and is known for its remarkable abundance of fungal species.
Throughout the forays, we will be collecting and cataloging various fungi. Our expert guides will discuss the unique ecological roles of each species, as well as their potential edibility, medicinal benefits, and toxic lookalikes. The collected specimens will then be brought back to our ID tables, where they will be showcased by our experts during the Specimen Walkthrough & Discussion sessions. Afterwards, these valuable finds will be cataloged on our iNaturalist project and deposited into the herbarium at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) and/or sent off for DNA sequencing.
As evening approaches, the adventure continues with our ultraviolet night forays, where we'll search for the magical glow of fluorescent fungi. For a more relaxed experience, you can gather around the campfire for live music and a social hour with fellow enthusiasts.
Important Event & Planning Details
This will be an outdoor event, so participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions. Expect temperatures to drop into the low 40s at night. Camping is included in the Weekend Pass, and we also have a list of nearby hotels available for those who prefer indoor lodging. Please be prepared for the possibility of rain, as severe weather may lead to the postponement or cancellation of certain outdoor activities.
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Weather Updates: We will be closely monitoring the forecast and will send out email updates if any changes to the schedule are necessary.
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Refund Policy: Refunds are available up until October 24th, two weeks before the event. Refunds will not be available after this date, as preparations for your attendance will have already been finalized.
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Event Location: All activities, except for the forays into the Caddo National Grasslands, will take place in a heavily forested area on private property located about 15 minutes away. We will have several covered spaces with an outdoor kitchen set up with hand-washing stations and portapotties available throughout the weekend.
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Accessibility: Please note that our Presentation Area and Outdoor Kitchen are a five-minute walk from the parking area through a forested trail. This may present some challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.
TICKETS
Members Receive 10% off each ticket.
Login to receive discount at checkout.
Weekend Pass (includes camping)
$100 – Weekend Pass (Adult)
$50 – Weekend Pass (Child), under 10 is Free with Adult Pass.
Optional Add-On (+$20) Mushroom Cultivation Workshop + Build Your Own Oyster Kit
Friday Day Pass
$40 – Friday (Adult)
$25 – Friday (Child), under 10 is Free with Adult Pass.
Saturday Day Pass
$50– Saturday (Adult)
$30 – Saturday (Child), under 10 is Free with Adult Pass.
Optional Add-On (+$20) Mushroom Cultivation Workshop + Build Your Own Oyster Kit
Sunday Day Pass
$40 – Sunday (Adult)
$25 – Sunday (Child), under 10 is Free with Adult Pass.
SPONSORED BY:
PRESENTERS:
SCHEDULE
Friday, November 7th: Arrival & The Fungal Frontier
3:00 PM: Registration & Camp Setup
Settle in and get your weekend started! The main registration desk will open for all participants. You'll check in to receive your event wristband and an overview of the schedule, a detailed map of the property, and an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. This is your chance to get your bearings, set up your campsite, and start to feel at home in nature.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Early Bird Foray
Kick off the festival with a preliminary, self-guided foray on the property. This is a perfect opportunity for a casual exploration to see what's fruiting and get a feel for the local fungal life before the main guided events.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Community Potluck Dinner
Share a meal and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Please bring your favorite dish to share! Bonus points are awarded for dishes that creatively incorporate mushrooms into your meal.
7:00 PM: Registration Closes Promptly
Note: To ensure all participants can enjoy the keynote lecture, registration will officially close at 7:00 PM. If you plan on arriving after this time, please email us at contact@northtexasmycology.org so we can accommodate your arrival.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Keynote Lecture: "The Hidden Kingdom: Unearthing Texas Fungi in Herbarium Collections" by David Lewis
Conclude the evening with an illuminating keynote by mycologist David Lewis. This presentation will shed light on the vital role of herbarium collections in preserving and studying fungal biodiversity. You'll learn about interesting specimens currently stored in herbariums across Texas and how they are used for long-term scientific research, providing a historical and current snapshot of fungal distribution and change in the state.
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: UV Foray
A short, guided UV walk to discover the magical glow of fluorescent fungi in the twilight. It's a unique chance to see some of the fungi we walk past every day in a new, mesmerizing light.
8:30 PM onwards: Social Hour with Live Music
Wind down the evening with a relaxing social gathering. We'll gather around a roaring fire, under the stars, accompanied by live acoustic music. This is the perfect setting to share your day's discoveries and forge new friendships.
Saturday, November 8th: Discovery, Cultivation & Community
Morning: Arrival & Field Exploration
8:30 AM: Registration Opens
Arrive early to ensure a smooth start to your day. Check in to receive your event wristband, a printed schedule, and a detailed map of the preserve.
Amenities: Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and a light breakfast spread with various pastries and fresh fruit. This is also a perfect time to browse our informational displays and connect with other attendees.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome Orientation, Safety Briefing, & Foray Grouping
All participants must gather near the main pavilion for a warm welcome from the North Texas Mycological Association (NTMA). We will review the day's exciting itinerary, introduce staff and foray guides, and outline essential safety protocols. To ensure a high-quality experience, we will then divide participants into smaller, guided groups to allow for more personalized instruction and navigation on the trails.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Guided Fungal Forays to the Caddo National Grasslands
Embark on an invigorating guided walk to the Caddo National Grasslands, a prime location for diverse fungal life. Led by some of the most experienced mycologists in Texas, you will learn to identify common fungal species and help us map out the biodiversity of fungi in the North Texas region. Our expert guides will discuss potential edibility, medicinal benefits, toxins, and specific ecological roles. Please bring your own foraging basket and camera!
12:00 PM: Registration Closes Promptly
Note: To ensure all participants can join their respective groups and benefit from the initial orientation, registration will officially close at 12:00 PM. If you plan on arriving after this time, please email us at contact@northtexasmycology.org so we can accommodate your arrival.
Midday: Culinary Delights & Cultivation
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM: Intermission & Mushroom Cooking Demonstration with Lunch Provided
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey! Jason Burson from Emory Market Gardens will lead an engaging, live cooking demonstration. He will showcase innovative and delicious ways to prepare locally grown mushrooms. A hearty, mushroom-inspired lunch will be provided for all attendees immediately following the demonstration.
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Split into Afternoon Foray Groups or Mushroom Cultivation Class
We will be splitting up the group to attend the afternoon forays or partake in the Mushroom Cultivation Workshop ($20 Add-On)
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Afternoon Fungal Foray at Caddo National Grasslands OR Mushroom Cultivation Workshop ($20 Add-On) This is your chance to choose your own adventure!
Option 1: Afternoon Fungal Foray:
For those not participating in the workshop, join us for a second foray at the Grasslands. This will allow for a more in-depth search and a chance to build on the knowledge gained from your time at MushGiving.
Option 2 $20 Add-On: Mushroom Cultivation Workshop with Angel Giron:
Get hands-on with mushroom cultivation! Angel Giron will lead a comprehensive workshop on fundamental cultivation techniques, from substrate preparation to inoculation. This session will provide you with the practical skills to start your own home cultivation project.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Specimen Walkthrough & Discussion
A brief walkthrough of notable fungal specimens collected throughout the day. This is your chance to ask questions, share your unique finds, and gain further insights from our experts.
Evening: Keynote & Community
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Mushroom Cooking Demonstration & Dinner
Join us for our signature, much-anticipated deep-fried mushroom dinner! Share stories and discoveries from the day and enjoy a satisfying communal meal prepared fresh on-site.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Keynote Lecture: "Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide" by Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Prepare for an inspiring and profoundly informative session from our distinguished guest, Dr. Christopher Hobbs. His eagerly anticipated keynote will delve into the profound health benefits and traditional uses of medicinal mushrooms. Topics will include their roles in immune system modulation, cognitive enhancement, and their historical use in promoting well-being.
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: UV Walk: In Search of Fluorescent Fungi
As twilight descends, embark on a unique and enchanting nocturnal adventure! Armed with specialized UV lights, we will explore designated trails in search of the fascinating fluorescent fungi that mysteriously glow under ultraviolet illumination.
8:00 PM onwards: Social Hour Campfire Connections
The evening will transition into a relaxed and informal social hour. Gather around a crackling campfire, share foraging tips, and forge new friendships with fellow enthusiasts.
Sunday, November 9th: Identification, Research & Farewell
Morning: Continued Exploration & Essential Identification Skills
8:30 AM: Registration Begins (for Sunday pass holders)
For those joining us on Sunday, registration will begin at 8:30 am where the registration desk will be available.
Amenities: Coffee, tea, and light continental breakfast snacks will be available for all early arrivals and campers.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Light Breakfast Provided – Coffee, Tea, Snacks
A light breakfast spread will be available for all attendees, campers, and Sunday-only participants. Enjoy coffee, a selection of teas, and various snacks to fuel up for another day of exploration.
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Welcome to MushGiving 2025 Orientation (Sunday)
A brief orientation session for Sunday's activities, particularly helpful for new arrivals, covering the day's schedule and any updated safety notes for the forays.
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Final Mushroom Forays @ Caddo National Grasslands - Advanced Identification & Collection
Another opportunity for guided fungal forays, possibly focusing on different areas of the preserve or more challenging identification scenarios. These longer forays allow for deeper exploration and a chance to find specimens for the afternoon's discussion and potential contribution to the North Texas Mycological Association's biodiversity mapping project, which aims to deposit specimens at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT).
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Forays Return & Intermission
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch & Mushroom Cooking Demonstration by Garrett Shovan from Mushroom Street Farms
Enjoy another delicious lunch provided by MushGiving 2025. This meal will be accompanied by a dynamic mushroom cooking demonstration led by Garrett Shovan from Mushroom Street Farms, who will share his expertise in preparing locally cultivated mushrooms from Mushroom Street Farms!
Afternoon: Deeper Exploration & The Scientific Record
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Presentation: “Understanding Texas Mushrooms: A Guide to Edible and Toxic Species” by Sebastian Tabibi
Return to the pavilion for a critical presentation by NTMA President Sebastian Tabibi. This session will be invaluable for foragers, focusing on the key identification features of common edible mushrooms found in Texas, but more importantly, highlighting how to distinguish them from their toxic lookalikes. Learn about the dangers of misidentification and essential safety protocols for consuming wild fungi.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Final Specimen Walkthrough & Discussion
A culminating session to showcase the most significant and interesting finds from Sunday's forays. This interactive discussion will allow attendees to examine various specimens up close, ask final questions, and gain expert insights into their identification and ecological significance. This is also an opportunity to discuss the process of preparing specimens for deposition into the BRIT herbarium.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Cleanup & Farewell
We kindly ask for everyone's assistance in a collective cleanup effort to ensure we leave the preserve as pristine as we found it. This short period is also dedicated to final goodbyes, networking, and expressing gratitude for a successful MushGiving 2025. We look forward to seeing you at future NTMA events!