8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast
Participants are encouraged to bring food for themselves and/or to donate to the communal kitchen. We will be setting up a fully functional outdoor kitchen and asking for help from participants to create meals through a collective and collaborative experience.

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9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Fungal Biodiversity Survey of the Caddo National Grasslands Orientation & Special Collections Overview
Join renowned mycologists Dr. Amy Honan, Dr. Clark Ovrebo, David Lewis, along with NTMA President, Sebastian Tabibi, for an overview of the day’s forays and an introduction to the Special Collections/DNA Sequencing Program. In collaboration with the United States Forest Service (USFS), the North Texas Mycological Association is launching a new initiative to survey the fungal biodiversity of the Caddo National Grasslands with a goal to voucher, DNA sequence, and upload our finds to our iNaturalist Project.

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We will be looking for any and all species of fungi, talking about their properties, practical usages, and ecological roles. Unique or unusual specimens will be vouchered, submitted for DNA sequencing, and subsequently stored at our fungarium for future research and study. Learn the essentials of collecting and documenting specimens for scientific research from some of the top experts in the nation!

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9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Fungal Biodiversity Survey of the Caddo National Grasslands -  Morning Forays
Venture into the Caddo National Grasslands with guides and fellow foragers as we team up to look for mushrooms and map out the biodiversity of fungi that we find inside of the Grasslands! In this special collaborative effort with the United States Forest Service, we will be recording, collecting, vouchering, and sending in specimens to be DNA sequenced and saved for future research and study. We will be splitting into groups and surveying several notable locations with incredible biodiversity within the Caddo Grasslands.

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12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Vendor Area Opens
While not foraging, browse the Vendor Area for unique mushroom-themed products, local crafts, and educational materials.

 

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Cooking Demonstration by Mushroom Street Urban Farms
Join the folks from Mushroom Street Urban Farms, a sponsor of North Texas Mushroom Festival, as they demonstrate how to prepare delicious meals from locally grown mushrooms! Participants will get to taste prepared dishes as our friends from Mushroom Street discuss how they grow the mushrooms at their urban farm in Arlington, TX.

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1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Mushroom Cultivation Workshop
Learn to grow mushrooms at home in this presentation by Angel Giron, lead mushroom cultivator at Big Tex Urban Farms in Dallas. Cultivation Workshop. From beginners to seasoned growers, this session offers everything you need to know to start growing mushrooms at home.

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3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Afternoon Forays
Continue your mushroom journey with a second set of forays. You have the option of exploring new areas of the Caddo National Grasslands or stay on the property to foray and enjoy the ambiance.

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5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Vendor Area Opens

While not foraging, browse the Vendor Area for unique mushroom-themed products, local crafts, and educational materials.

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5:00 PM – 6:00 PM –

Exploring Psilocybe: A Journey Through North America's Psychedelic Fungi
Brian Barzee, an expert in Psilocybe and Polypore species, will lead an insightful presentation on these fascinating fungi titled: “Exploring Psilocybe: A Journey Through North America's Psychedelic Fungi”

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6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Deep Fried Mushroom Cookoff
It’s time for some Texas-style fun! Sample gourmet fried mushrooms, including Oyster, Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, and more in this savory cookoff.

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7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Presentation by David Lewis
David Lewis, renowned Texas mycologist, presents on the diverse fungi of Texas, providing expert insights into local species’ identification and ecology.

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8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Unraveling Fungal Identity: Exploring Species Classification through Morphology, Biology, and Phylogenetics
Dr. Amy Honan delivers the evening's Keynote Lecture: “Unraveling Fungal Identity: Exploring Species Classification through Morphology, Biology, and Phylogenetics”. This presentation delves into the complex process of fungal species identification, examining how we use morphology, biological traits, and phylogenetic analysis to define species. Special attention is given to the critical role of the ITS region in fungal taxonomy, highlighting its utility in understanding fungal diversity and evolutionary relationships.

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9:00 PM – 9:30 PM

UV Foray
Join another UV Foray to uncover the magical world of glowing mushrooms beneath the starlit sky.

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9:00 PM

Onwards – Social Hour, Live Music & Entertainment
Unwind with live music, entertainment, and good company at the Social Hour. There will be an live music, an open mic talent show, and entertainment in the form of fire spinners.