From field forays in Mexico to macro shots of Cordyceps in caves, Timothee Mendez blends science, culture, and storytelling in a fungal journey like no other.
Hola, Timo and Joseph—Thanks for such a well-written article and fantastic photos. I live in Baja Sur, Mexico on the Pacific coast; our village has a direct road to the Sierra de la Laguna. There is a rare, endemic oak in the peaks, as well as many other endemic species, plus newly catalogued insects. I don’t know of any mycologist who has explored this range. While I am physically unable to do mushrooming anymore, I would like to learn more about species here and Mexico in general, including cultural uses. (I also did freelance writing, grant writing and photography.) Timo, if you ever want to visit this area, I will clean up our spare bedroom and loan you our old 4WD.
Hey Constance! Glad you liked the interview. I've always wanted to explore Baja more. I got a chance to do a tiny bit of exploring during mushroom season in Baja Norte many years ago. I think the mountains of Baja Sur must have some really interesting and likely undescribed species. It's true that not many people have looked for fungi there. I also heard many years ago that there were still some folks making atole de bellota (acorn atole) in that region, but I wonder if that's really still a thing. I'd be really interested to see that.
Anyhow, appreciate the offer. I'm not sure if/when I'd be able to take you up on it, but if the opportunity arises, I will reach out! Also feel free to subscribe to my Substack if you want to hear more about the mushrooms in Mexico and my outings.
I will check out your website and Substack. I hope you and others will check out the La Lagunas soon. With the extended drought, many of the plants and animals have been suffering greatly. With drought, overgrazing, and real estate development around the reserve, there is concern that endemics will be wiped out. So I hope that you and others can do some field research soon. The reserve still has many isolated ranches, and I happen to have contacts with a couple of people who know many of the people there. I will ask them if they have heard of the atole and local fungi.
Great interview, and a lot of great stories. I found myself physically leaning forward during the adventure to find and photograph that tarantula. Stunning stuff. Keep it up, both of you.
Hola, Timo and Joseph—Thanks for such a well-written article and fantastic photos. I live in Baja Sur, Mexico on the Pacific coast; our village has a direct road to the Sierra de la Laguna. There is a rare, endemic oak in the peaks, as well as many other endemic species, plus newly catalogued insects. I don’t know of any mycologist who has explored this range. While I am physically unable to do mushrooming anymore, I would like to learn more about species here and Mexico in general, including cultural uses. (I also did freelance writing, grant writing and photography.) Timo, if you ever want to visit this area, I will clean up our spare bedroom and loan you our old 4WD.
Hey Constance! Glad you liked the interview. I've always wanted to explore Baja more. I got a chance to do a tiny bit of exploring during mushroom season in Baja Norte many years ago. I think the mountains of Baja Sur must have some really interesting and likely undescribed species. It's true that not many people have looked for fungi there. I also heard many years ago that there were still some folks making atole de bellota (acorn atole) in that region, but I wonder if that's really still a thing. I'd be really interested to see that.
Anyhow, appreciate the offer. I'm not sure if/when I'd be able to take you up on it, but if the opportunity arises, I will reach out! Also feel free to subscribe to my Substack if you want to hear more about the mushrooms in Mexico and my outings.
Cheers,
Timo Mendez
I will check out your website and Substack. I hope you and others will check out the La Lagunas soon. With the extended drought, many of the plants and animals have been suffering greatly. With drought, overgrazing, and real estate development around the reserve, there is concern that endemics will be wiped out. So I hope that you and others can do some field research soon. The reserve still has many isolated ranches, and I happen to have contacts with a couple of people who know many of the people there. I will ask them if they have heard of the atole and local fungi.
Great interview, and a lot of great stories. I found myself physically leaning forward during the adventure to find and photograph that tarantula. Stunning stuff. Keep it up, both of you.