Puget Sound Mycological Society is an organization of people interested in mushrooms and mushrooming. Members have interests in research, education, cultivation, hunting, identifying, and cooking mushrooms. Their website notes “If you live outside of Puget Sound, perhaps we can develop a symbiotic relationship.” more >

The Northwest Lichenologists organization promotes and encourages the study of lichens, which are composed of fungi and algae in a symbiotic relationship. The organization offers publications, training opportunities for scientists and lay people, and a number of other services. more >

The high elevation whitebark pine is in trouble, ravaged by disease, insects, drought, climate change, you name it. But tiny, thread-like soil fungi that form an association with the plant roots may give the pines help they need. Montana State University professor Cathy Cripps' research involves looking for fungal species that live entirely underground. more >

English scientists are employing the computational abilities of a common slime mold to design a robot, or “plasmobot.” The plasmobot will use the vegetative state, or plasmodium, of the slime mold, Physarum polycephalum. more >

Not sure what a slime mold is? Check out the The Eumycetozoan Project.

The Scarabs are an informal group of Seattle-area folks who, for diverse reasons, are interested in insects and/or spiders. Their website describes them as having “banded together (perhaps "swarmed" would be a better word) to socialize, exchange views, see interesting programs, and go on field trips with like-minded people.” more >

From bumblebees to butterflies, moths to mussels—if it doesn’t have a backbone, the Xerces Society is interested. This nonprofit organization has been at the forefront of invertebrate conservation, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs, for over three decades. more >

How many insect species exist in a given area? Scientists have figured out how to use DNA from bug splatter on a car’s bumper to address this question.

Metagenomics is a developing field that applies DNA-sequencing technology directly to samples collected in the field. Or on the windshield. more >

The Washington Herp Atlas provides current information on amphibians and reptiles, or "herps." The site includes information on life history, habitat, status, threats, management concerns and distribution.

It also provides photographs and other identification tips, in case you're not quite sure about that snake in the back yard. more >

The Mammal Collection is just one of the important research collections at the Burke Museum of Natural History at the University of Washington. Animals with backbones that have hair and produce milk for their newborns make up the class Mammalia. The Burke's website offers a place to learn all about Washington’s 148 species of mammals—their habits and habitats, what they eat, and where they live. more >

The endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit had a successful breeding season in 2009, with 73 kits born at three breeding facilities in Washington and Oregon. The species is the only North American rabbit to dig burrows and live in a sagebrush habitat. more >

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife profiled the captive breeding program in 2001.