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A message from PPMS about COVID-19

Friends,

From the board members of the Pikes Peak Mycological Society, We hope you stay safe and healthy during this challenging time.   Our thoughts go out to all those who have been affected by COVID-19. Now, more than ever, we must band together (at a safe distance!) and stand strong.  We must be kind to one another and help those that might be suffering or who are in a high-risk group.  

As of today, March 19, 2020, we are still planning to have our first meeting, scheduled for April 22 at the Bear Creek Nature Center. We will be recording the meeting and will make it available to those that cannot attend. If there are any changes, we will email our members and post an update on this website.  Your health and safety are our first priority and we will act accordingly depending on how this crisis evolves. We appreciate your support and understanding.  

We know that the people in our local community are some of the kindest, most generous and caring folks in the world. If you have extra items that you wish to donate to help someone who needs it, or if you are in need of something, please contact us at info@pikespeakmyc.org. Together, we will overcome this. After all, 2020 looks to be a record year for mushrooms!   

Thank you and stay healthy!

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CANCELED- Pre-Season Bonus Event

NOTICE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO COVID 19 CONCERNS

Event Cancellation Notice
Event Cancellation Notice
Pikes Peak Mycological Society invites you to join us Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Colorado Springs Penrose Library in Columbine B for this free and open-to-the-public event.

Learn what fungi and plants exist commonly within our local communities. Journey into the field of knowledge and tap into the diverse and vast world of fungi and plants that live within our region. Explore the ethics of gathering and what sensitive, threatened and endangered species occur right outside your door!

Ms. Tzogas will be available after the lecture for a meet and greet, where you’ll have a chance to browse her many different mushroom products for sale, including tinctures, plug spawn and more.  For more information on Olga’s products, visit www.smugtownmushrooms.com/shop

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Basic Terms and Definitions Every Mushroom Lover Should Know

mushroom variety in Colorado

If you’re new to the world of fungi, you’re bound to hear some words that you’re not familiar with that you should get to know. This is a beginners guide to some of the basic terms.  If you are looking for a (really) good mushroom guide that dives in much further than this and is specific to the Colorado, Front Range and Rocky Mountains, pick up a copy of Vera Stucky Evanson’s Mushrooms of the Rocky Mountain Region.

 

Mycelia The mycelium (plural) is the part of a fungus that is usually underground. It is composed of hyphae, which look like threads, or rootlets. The mat of hyphae may be very thickly woven. It’s main function is to extract nutrients.  Fungal colonies composed of mycelium are found in and on soil and many other natural materials (called substrates) (wikipedia)
Substrate The surface or material on or from which an organism lives, grows, or obtains its nourishment(dictionary.com). Fungi prefer many different kinds of substrates, such as soil, dead wood and sometimes other fungi. 
Fruiting Body Commonly known as the mushroom. The part of the mushroom that is visible and that produces spores
Cap Top of the fruiting body that is seen above ground and where the spores come from. 
Spores Microscopic, single-celled units produced by mushrooms in the process of sexual reproduction—roughly analogous to seeds. (mushroomexpert.com).
Spore Print A mass of spores that can be seen with the naked eye (mushroomexpert.com). The color of a mushrooms spore print is essential for positive identification
Stipe The stem, or stalk, of a mushroom.  
Annulus/Ring A ring of tissue around the upper part of a mushroom’s stem, resulting from the collapsing of the partial veil (mushroomexpert.com)
Veil/Partial Veil A protective layer of tissue that may cover all, part or none of a mushroom
Volva A volva is the remainder of a universal veil at the base of a mushroom’s stem; the volva results from the growing mushroom pushing through the veil (mushroomexpert.com)
Pores, Pore Surface Tiny tubes, or holes, on the underside of the mushroom cap. The pore surface is comprised of all the mouths of the tubes
Gills Plate-like or blade-like structures attached to the underside of the cap in many members of the Basidiomycota.(mushroomexpert.com)
Tubes Many mushrooms such as bolete and polypore use tubes, not gills, to deliver spores 
Mycorrhizal  Mushrooms that are mycorrhizal are involved in a mutually beneficial relationship with the rootlets of plants—usually trees. (mushroomexpert.com)
Conifer Cone-bearing trees such as pine, juniper, spruce and firs.
Deciduous Tree or shrub that sheds its leaves each year.
Riparian Wetlands adjacent to rivers and streams; river banks.
Montane Mountains; areas above the foothills. 
Sub Alpine  The zone below timberline, 9,000-12,000 ft.
Alpine The zone above the tree line- ranges from 11,000-12,000 feet.

 

As you learn more and more about fungi, you’ll come across many unfamiliar words that are important to know.  These are just a few to get you started. Don’t feel intimidated, though. Before long, you’ll be speaking the mushroom language as if it were your native tongue. 

Are there terms that aren’t covered here that you’d like to know the meaning of?  Tell us in the comments what you think should be included in this list! 

Are you looking for a great, local charitable organization to donate to? PPMS can now accept your donations.  100% of the money stays right here in Southern Colorado to help the Pikes Peak Mycological Society’s mission to create a better understanding of fungi in our local community.  PPMS is your local Southern Colorado mushroom club!