Funga

Collection Protocols

Fungi are critical, often invisible architects of California’s biodiversity. They sustain plants, drive nutrient cycles, support wildlife, and respond sensitively to environmental change. Protecting fungal diversity is essential to conserving California’s ecosystems as a whole, yet there is a significant lack of data for fungi.

According to a study done by USDA Forest Service

Despite these vital roles, fungal diversity in California remains woefully underdocumented—estimates suggest that over 90% of fungal species globally, and likely a similar proportion regionally, are yet to be described.

Without baseline data on fungal communities, we cannot fully understand or monitor ecosystem health, soil dynamics, plant resilience, and climate responsiveness. Protecting fungal diversity is therefore critical not only for plant and wildlife conservation but also for sustaining soil fertility and ecosystem stability across California’s landscapes.