From a Shared Experience to a Shared Vision

In 2023, the three of us—Don King, MycoGeeky, and Natural State Mycology—met for the first time on a foraging expedition in Mexico. That experience, while rich in fungal diversity, sparked deeper conversations about what makes a trip truly meaningful. We realized we shared a vision for something more than just following mushrooms through the woods—we wanted to create immersive, well-rounded adventures where fungi are the centerpiece, but never the whole story.

Unlike strictly scientific expeditions or deeply academic tours, MycoTreks was born from the idea that people who love mushrooms often love so much more—food, ecology, culture, story, and connection. We design our trips for curious mycophiles who want to deepen their understanding of fungi while also exploring the places, people, and histories that make those ecosystems unique. Sometimes that means hiking cloud forests with local guides. Other times it might mean visiting a museum, attending a festival, or sharing a meal with the family who grew the corn.

From those first conversations—around campfires and long drives through the mountains—our vision grew. Don brought his decades of experience leading forays in Ohio. MycoGeeky brought his background in health, cultivation, and community building. NSM brought his deep fieldwork and passion for ethical foraging. Together, we returned to Mexico not as tourists, but as collaborators, partnering with local guides, interpreters, and small businesses who share our love for fungi and the land they grow in.