Mushroom Foraging Walk at David Lewis Property

Join legendary mycologist David Lewis, author of Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States who has discovered many new species of mushrooms in Deep East Texas at his 60 acres Bleakwood property. It has 5 plant associations, including upland pine, beech-magnolia-pine-oak slope forest, baygall, hardwood floodplain, and cypress-tupelo slough. The forest is fairly open with easy walking. Two creeks, Thickety and Screw Pin border the property on the east and west. Five new species of mushrooms have been recorded and there is a list of about 700 species collected over the past 25 years. There is an additional 250 plant species found on the property. 

We will meet at 10:00 AM, hunt a few hours, return to the house and discuss the species while having lunch.

This event is for people that want to explore the diverse ecosystem of Deep East Texas while sharpening their ID skills, forage, and learning more about the fungi kingdom. You do not need to be an expert or CTMS member to participate – this is a learning opportunity and the more eyes we have the more we will discover together. This is a family friendly event.

Plan on allowing 1 hour to travel from locations where you might be lodging or camping because this area is really spread out. Make sure you have GPS and a local map downloaded to your phone or a paper map. There are many dead zones in the Big Thicket with no cell phone service.

We will provide Field Guides and Field Data Slips, Water and Snacks

Bring: Packed lunch and plenty of water, a basket or paper bags for collecting specimens, a small knife for clean harvesting, field guides and/or the iNaturalist app, camera (smartphone or SLR), Bug spray and sunscreen, sturdy shoes suitable for walking on trails, waterproof shoes, camping gear (if you are camping)

Detailed Directions: To reach the Lewis property, take Hwy US 96 north from Beaumont 50 miles to Kirbyville.  Turn right on FM 363 east (Last red-light in Kirbyville). Go 4 miles to the intersection with SH87 (4 way stop); turn left and go 1 mile to County Road 3062 on the left. You will cross Thickety Creek Bridge and 3062 is just before the Screw Pin Creek bridge. Go about ¼ mile on the dirt/rock road and turn right onto the driveway into the woods.  We will have a sign at the drive.

If you wish to stay overnight, there are rooms at the Gateway Inn Motel in Kirbyville on US96 (409-423-4611) Also Jasper, TX has many hotel accommodations. 

Please email if you plan to attend so I have an idea about attendance and how to arrange parking. Car pool with other interested parties if possible. 

This year we are offering an affordable camping spot for just $20 for the full weekend. It’s 10 minutes away from “Camp David“ in Kirbyville, Texas at a fulldraw forest of 125 acres nature preserve that is open for foraging, hiking, birding and enjoying the pines. Camping has no electricity but tap water and full restroom access. Community fire pit available for cooking outdoors. Address and instructions will be sent to registrants.

Difficulty: Easy-leisurely pace with frequent stops. Donation: $25 for nonmembers ($20 optional camping add-on).

EAST TEXAS: Mushroom Foraging Walk at David Lewis Property — Central Texas Mycological Society

Please use the following AT code: AT: Single Presentation: TMN AT Report hours