Pikes Peak Mycological Society | Colorado Springs Mushroom Club
Celebrating 50 Years of Mushroom Education and Exploration in Southern Colorado
Founded in 1974 by Athalie “Lee” Barzee (1924–2015), the Pikes Peak Mycological Society (PPMS) is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, dedicated to the identification, study, and appreciation of mushrooms. As an affiliate of the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), we are proud to be part of a network of over 80 mycological societies across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Whether you’re a seasoned mycophile or just mushroom-curious, PPMS offers a welcoming space to explore fungi in the unique ecosystems of the Pikes Peak region.
Discover Mushrooms in the Pikes Peak Region
From alpine meadows just below the timberline to the riparian corridors of Fountain Creek and Cheyenne Cañon, the Pikes Peak region offers a one-of-a-kind environment for fungal exploration. The elevation diversity around Pikes Peak, a famous Colorado “fourteener,” creates distinct microclimates ideal for a wide variety of fungi—including edible, medicinal, and rare species.
This corner of Southern Colorado is a mycological playground, where fungal blooms can appear in unexpected places—and we’re here to explore them all.
What We Do
For over five decades, PPMS has been leading the way in mushroom forays, public education, and community connection in the Colorado Springs area. Our activities include:
- Guided Mushroom Forays across the Pikes Peak region
- Monthly Meetings with guest speakers and expert-led presentations
- Specimen Identification by trained mycologists and experienced members
- Hands-on Learning through foraging, cooking demos, and cultivation tips
- Special Events including mushroom-themed dinners and community workshops
- Collaboration with Experts in mycoremediation, fungal ecology, and ethnomycology
Meetings
Our general meetings are held monthly from April through September/October and are free and open to the public. Each meeting features an educational program designed to deepen your understanding of fungi, along with opportunities to bring mushrooms for identification.
Location: Meetings are held in the Colorado Springs area. Check our website or social media for the latest schedule.
Forays (Members Only)
PPMS organizes regular mushroom forays throughout Southern Colorado, with destinations based on seasonal rainfall, elevation, and temperature. From snowbank fungi near the summit of Pikes Peak to puffballs and porcinis in Canon City, our forays offer the chance to explore diverse habitats and learn directly from experienced identifiers.
New Field Guide: Foraging Mushrooms of the Rocky Mountains
In partnership with the Colorado Mycological Society, PPMS co-authored the regional field guide Foraging Mushrooms of the Rocky Mountains, now available on Amazon. Whether you’re foraging near Manitou Springs, Black Forest, or the Wet Mountains, this guide is your companion for identifying fungi across the Rockies. Order your copy of “Foraging Mushrooms of The Rocky Mountains” today!
Join the Adventure
If you’re located in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, or anywhere in Southern Colorado and have a passion for mushrooms, fungi, or the natural world, we invite you to join the Pikes Peak Mycological Society. Come learn, forage, and discover the fascinating world of fungi with us!
