Costa Rica’s First National Mushroom Count

In November, Costa Rica will hold its first National Mushroom Count, a community science initiative led by Reserva Aurora and NaturalistaCR to document the diversity and distribution of macrofungi across the country.

The public can take part by photographing mushrooms in gardens, parks, farms or natural areas and uploading their observations to iNaturalist. No previous experience is required, and participants should not collect or handle the mushrooms. All observations must be made in their natural environment.

The BioBlitz methodology aims to record as many species as possible within a specific period. The data collected will contribute to future studies on fungal diversity and the climatic factors that influence their presence.

Locations and Dates

• November 8: Finca Orgánica Tinamastes, in Tinamastes de Barú.
• November 14 and 15: Reserva Aurora, near Chirripó National Park, Pérez Zeledón.
• November 21: Monteverde Biological Station.
• November 22: Finca Cántaros, in San Vito.
• November 28 and 29: Providencia de Dota, with the event concluding during Funga Fest.

Organizations interested in hosting additional locations could register until November 13. Participants are encouraged to bring a phone or camera, suitable clothing, a small mirror and the iNaturalist app.

In a nutshell: A nationwide, family-friendly initiative inviting people to observe, photograph and document mushrooms using iNaturalist, without collecting them. Activities will take place across five areas of Costa Rica throughout November.