New York State Museum Releases Adirondack Mushroom Guide

The field guide highlights 50 fungi species native to the Adirondack region.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Botany

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a cluster of mushrooms on a mossy log, representing a scientific field guide. — The New York State Museum released the 'Illustrated Guide to Common Adirondack Mushrooms,' a new reference documenting 50 native fungi species. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you feel that learning about local plant and fungi species increases your appreciation for nature?

The New York State Museum has released the Illustrated Guide to Common Adirondack Mushrooms, which was first published by the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry in July 2026. The book documents 50 common fungi species found throughout the region.

Why it matters

The guide serves as a collaborative scientific reference documenting the diverse mycological landscape of the Adirondacks for local researchers and enthusiasts.

The guide details 50 mushroom and fungi species based on field work conducted at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station and the Newcomb campus. The project originated from the SUNY ESF Scientific Illustration Fellowship.

The players

Patricia Kaishian

She serves as the curator of mycology at the New York State Museum.

Amanda Casanovas

She created the original watercolor illustrations for the mushroom field guide.

SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry

This institution focuses on environmental research and published the guide through its scientific illustration program.

New York State Museum

This museum is the primary venue for the distribution and sale of the illustrated guide.

The details

Curated by Patricia Kaishian and illustrated with original watercolors by Amanda Casanovas, the volume brings together scientific observation and artistic documentation. It is currently available for purchase at the New York State Museum gift shop.

Authors collaborated during the summer of 2025 at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station and the Newcomb campus.
SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry first published the field guide in July 2026.
The news article regarding the guide was published on October 26, 2026.

The Big Picture

This publication stems from the SUNY ESF Scientific Illustration Fellowship, which bridges the gap between field research and public education. The project marks a paradigm shift in how regional biodiversity is documented through the integration of scientific study and hand-rendered illustration.

Readers interested in mycology can acquire the guide at the museum store to assist in identifying local fungi species during outdoor excursions. The book provides a practical resource for hobbyists and students seeking to improve their understanding of Adirondack biodiversity.

The takeaway

This guide demonstrates the value of combining scientific research with visual arts to make regional nature studies more accessible to the public. Aspiring mycologists can use the documented species as a baseline for their own observational learning in the Adirondacks.