How Colorado got its state mushroom

State of play: Students in the politics club at Horizon High School in Thornton first conceived the idea for a state mushroom in 2021 after learning how a bill becomes law, sponsor and state Rep. Jacque Phillips tells us.

• A committee composed of professional and amateur mycologists recommended the species earlier this year.

Context: The mushroom is abundant in Colorado, and although it's not toxic, it's not what chefs would consider a delicacy.

What they're saying: "It's very important that people learn about the fungi around us," Gov. Jared Polis tells us. "They play a critical role in our ecosystems as decomposers."