Dr. Amy Honan presents: Fungi are among the most important organisms on Earth, yet they remain poorly understood and largely unprotected. From nutrient cycling and soil formation to complex partnerships with plants and animals, fungi underpin the health of ecosystems all around us, and many species are still undocumented or overlooked in conservation efforts.

This talk will take us into the world of fungal conservation across Colorado: why fungi have historically been left out of conservation frameworks, how scientists are working to close those gaps, and what you can do to help. We'll explore rare and under-documented species, new tools for assessing rarity and abundance, and how mushroom enthusiasts and community scientists can contribute meaningful data through responsible documentation and organized surveys.