Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bill on March 31, 2025, designating Agaricus julius as the state mushroom. This saprotrophic mushroom, which feeds on dead plant material such as leaf litter, sticks, and woody debris, is found in the southern Rocky Mountains under Engelmann spruce. It is known for its large size, brown cap scales, and almond odor. Although Agaricus julius is edible, experts advise caution when consuming wild mushrooms to avoid misidentification.

The proposal to name a state mushroom began in 2021 with Alex Merryman, a volunteer at Denver Botanic Gardens and member of the Colorado Mycological Society. Former CMS president Greg Sanchez later worked with a civics class at Horizon High School in Thornton, Colorado, on the process for choosing a state mushroom. In the latter half of 2024, it was decided that Agaricus julius would be proposed to the Colorado General Assembly.

On February 3, 2025, testimonies from mycology enthusiasts, including Andrew Wilson, assistant curator of mycology at Denver Botanic Gardens, and Horizon High School students, were presented to the legislative committee. Following these discussions, the bill was approved by the House committee before being signed into law by Governor Polis.

Photo by James Chelin. Illustration by Alicia Wyatt.

Source: Denver Botanic Gardens

Source Type: Community

Source Location: Denver

Rocky Mount, NC

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Leadership Twin Counties Program Visits NC Wesleyan

The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Twin Counties Program visited North Carolina Wesleyan University. Dr. Evan Duff discussed the university’s mission and programs, and participants toured the campus.

Rocky Mount Chamber Lists Weekend Ribbon Cuttings, Events

The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce listed ribbon cuttings and a Business After Hours event at local businesses. Events run June 23 through June 26.

Rocky Mount police share park safety tips

The Rocky Mount, North Carolina Police Department posted five safety tips for walking, running, and using city parks. The department said people should report suspicious activity and contact park staff or police if they feel unsafe.

Colorado State Patrol Thanks Crowd at Mustang Roundup

The Colorado State Patrol thanked people who attended the Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup in Cripple Creek. The agency said it enjoyed meeting attendees and views at the event.

Meridian crews train for vehicle into building rescue

Meridian Fire crews did extrication training this week focused on a vehicle-into-building scenario. The department credited partners Western States Equipment and Rocky Mountain Towing for helping with the training.

Rocky Mount to stop water service on English Road

The City of Rocky Mount plans a temporary water service interruption on English Road, Progress Drive, and Enterprise Drive. The outage is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, beginning at 11:30 p.m. for about 2.5 hours.

Rocky Mount Chamber to Close for Juneteenth

The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce said its offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. The chamber plans to reopen and resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.

Chamber plans CAPPS Entertainment event June 25

The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event at CAPPS Entertainment on June 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will include blacklight mini golf, axe throwing, mini bowling, cornhole, VR, arcade games, food, and drinks.

Rocky Mount Police observe Juneteenth, June 19

The Rocky Mount Police Department said it joined the nation in recognizing Juneteenth on June 19. The department also referenced the Emancipation Proclamation and Union troops arriving in Galveston, Texas, in 1865.

Rocky Mount Police Investigate Child’s Fatal Dog Attack

Rocky Mount police said officers responded to an animal attack on Star Street involving a 2-year-old who later died at UNC Nash Hospital. The two dogs involved were surrendered to animal services, and the investigation is ongoing.