Find Rare Fungi and Win Prizes!

FunDis Rare Southeast Fungi Challenge poster. Can you find any of these rarities?

Find Rare Mushrooms, Win Prizes!
The Fungal Diversity Survey needs YOUR help tracking down some of the Southeast's most elusive fungi- and we're making it worth your while!

THE CHALLENGE: We've compiled a list of rarely observed and under-recorded fungal species across the Southeast. Your mission? Document as many target species as you can on iNaturalist.org! Every observation you submit helps scientists understand where these rare fungi occur, how they're distributed, and what conservation efforts might be needed.

TARGET SPECIES: Wynnea sprassoides, any species of Gloeomucro, Wrightoporia austrosinensis, Wolfina aurantiopsis, Multifurca ochricompacta, Russula lilacipes, Boletus atkinsonianus, Hydrophorus cokeri, Lactarius purpureoechinatus, Pluteus mammillatus, Podoscypha aculeata, Hydnellum geogenium, Polyporoletus sublividus, Mycena carolinensis, Amoenoboletus weberi, Amanita westii, Hygrocybe andersonii, Aureoboletus abruptibulbus, Entoloma gainsvillae, and Poronia phosphorea.

THE PRIZE: The observer who documents the most target species in each participating state wins a FREE one-year membership to their local mushroom club! In Alabama, that means joining the Alabama Mushroom Society!

Other participating states have their own club partnerships—see full list of participating clubs, prizes and contest rules here: https://docs.google.com/.../12IeqOD8SClpgWUfaqmh1.../edit...

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Everyone! Whether you're a seasoned forager or just starting your fungal journey, this challenge is a fantastic way to sharpen your ID skills, explore new habitats, and contribute to real scientific research. Plus, there's nothing like a little friendly competition to fuel your forays!

HOW IT WORKS:
 Take a look at the Southeast Rare Fungi Challenge project
 Get out in the field and start hunting
 Submit observations through iNaturalist.org

IMPORTANT RULES: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12IeqOD8SClpgWUfaqmh19zs6oD0LlMmQvz5a6WA75As/edit?usp=sharing
 All observations must be submitted via iNaturalist.org
 Multiple fruiting bodies in the same immediate area count as one observation
 Duplicate determinations are at the project coordinator's discretion
 Ties will be broken by random selection

Questions? Reach out to Alisha Millican, the Project Coordinator for the Southeast Rare Fungi Challenge at [email protected]

Every observation counts! Happy hunting, and may your finds be rare! ​