Rare fungi are rare, aren't they? Or is it that we just don't know when and where to look for them? This overview of uncommon to hypothetical species in North America will test your familiarity with lesser known fungi, as well as solicit your help in constructing a regional list of rare fungi. Through the author's examination of field collection records for North America, a select list of 25 rarely encountered fungi will be reviewed and described. With an eye towards a North American "Red List," an emphasis will be placed on boreal and sub-boreal species whose range and occurrence may be threatened by a warming climate.

Dr. Rick Van de Poll is the principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants (EMC) of Sandwich, New Hampshire. He has taught Mycology at the undergraduate and graduate level for over 25 years. He has been on the Northeast Mycological Federation (NEMF) Faculty list since 1996 when he co-chaired the joint NAMA-NEMF Foray at Mt. Ascutney. He is currently the President of NEMF and the Sandwich Area Mushroom Club.