Date of Award

Spring 5-6-2026

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Environmental Studies

Advisor(s)

John Van Buren

Abstract

Globalization has accelerated the spread of invasive species, making them one of the largest contributors to biodiversity loss worldwide. While invasive macrofungi remain largely absent from scientific discourse on invasive species, they represent a growing ecological concern throughout the United States. Invasive macrofungi disrupt forest ecosystems, alter soil communities, and displace native fungi. Beyond these ecological impacts, their presence and establishment profoundly affect human-nature relationships, most notably mushroom foraging and cultivation practices. This paper adopts a multidisciplinary approach to examine the ecological, economic, and anthropogenic impacts of invasive macrofungi in the United States. Chapter 1 provides a quantitative overview of invasive macrofungi distribution, invasion pathways, and impacts on ecosystem services. Chapter 2 examines the economic undercurrents driving mushroom invasion, namely the global nursery trade and culinary markets. Chapter 3 employs an environmental anthropology framework to explore how invasive fungi change cultural practices around foraging, thereby impacting how communities engage with their health. Chapter 4 joins conservation biology with environmental politics to assess current efforts in managing invasive macrofungi, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the scientific community and policymakers. Lastly, Chapter 5 integrates findings across each discipline to propose a comprehensive set of policy recommendations regarding the management of invasive macrofungi, combining traditional monitoring efforts with citizen science and community-based stewardship.

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