Monthly Program: Mushrooms of the Gulf States Region

Mushrooms are far more than the colorful organisms we spot in the woods. They are the visible fruiting bodies of fungi—essential players in decomposition, nutrient cycling, plant health, and healthy ecosystems.

Join us on Thursday, November 5th at 7:00pm, as we explore the fascinating fungal world of the Gulf States, including how fungi differ from plants, the important roles they play in nature, and how different mushroom groups can be identified by their unique structures.

We’ll take a special look at the remarkable diversity of East Texas and the Gulf Coast, including unusual species discovered through research in the Big Thicket and surrounding forests. Whether you’re an experienced mushroom hunter or simply curious about what’s growing in your backyard, this presentation will open your eyes to the hidden fungal world all around us!

David P. Lewis is a retired chemist, mycologist, author, and Research Associate with both the Field Museum of Natural History and the Tracy Herbarium at Texas A&M University. His thousands of fungal collections and decades of research have contributed significantly to documenting the fungi of East Texas and the Gulf Coast.

A former Fungal TWIG coordinator for the Big Thicket National Preserve, David has discovered several new mushroom species and is co-author of Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States. He is a recipient of multiple awards for his contributions to mycology and conservation.

Coastal Prairie Chapter programs are free and open to the public. This program will be held in-person at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 TX-36, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Please plan to arrive at 6:00 pm for refreshments and social time. The program starts at 7pm.

Click here for Zoom registration link

To log hours in VMS:
Log Chapter Program under AT: Chapter Program
Log the following Business Meeting under Chapter Business: Chapter Meeting