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2021 Fort Bragg. Photo by Hugh Smith (modified)

Learn About Mushrooms

The Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz is all about educating its members and the general public about the dangers and delights of collecting, studying, consuming , and creating art with wild mushrooms. We understand that people learn in different ways. We aim to offer something for everyone!

Winter Chanterelles Bunch. Photo by Yevgeny Nyden

Winter Chanterelles Bunch. Photo by Yevgeny Nyden

Join Our Indoor and Outdoor Activities

We get together from September through May to learn and share knowledge about mushrooms, while having fun!

Monthly speaker showing features of a mushroom

Monthly talks from mycologists and enthusiasts that inspire and educate. Peruse mushrooms that people bring in, and enjoy refreshments. FREE and open to the public.

Monthly Speakers

Toni with a baked dish

From tailgate tastings and potlucks to chef dinners, our foodie fun events are scattered throughout the year.

Potlucks & Chef Dinners

Log. Photo by Dan Tischler

Join local forays in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas. Learn while exploring our local woods and fields with like-minded people.

Local Forays

Alaska Foray participants

Long-distance forays are overnight (or longer) trips farther afield. They carry the allure of new fungal finds, amazing culinary pleasures, and collaborative education adventure.

Long-Distance Forays

Phil Carpenter, Science Advisor

Gain more knowledge and hands-on experience with mushroom ID and mycology. (Some classes are for FFSC members only.)

ID Classes & Workshops

Mushroom exhibits at the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

Explore hundreds of wild species, both deadly and delicious. Create mushroom crafts--fun for all ages! Visit vendors and sample delicious mushroomy treats.

Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

Join our club for only $25 per household!

Online Resources

The safest way to learn about mushrooms is to hunt and identify mushrooms with knowledgable people in person. In addition, here are some field guildes, recipes, and other resources that can help you build your knowlede. Stay safe, and have fun learning!

Featured Fungi

Get background intel on mushrooms you may encounter in your wanderings.

Fort Bragg, 2021. Photo by Hugh Smith

Myco Art

Mushroom photography, and making art with or inspired by mushrooms.

Mushroom dyed silk at the 44th Fungus Fair. Photo by Hugh Smith (cropped)

Field Reports

Foray stories and species we found. (Available to FFSC members only.)

Stropharia. Photo by Katherine Elvin

Mushroom Recipes

Recipes with mushrooms, and complementary dishes. Try them at home or for an FFSC potluck!

Mushroom Bisque in a Teacup. Photo by John Spaur

Culinary Techniques

Bring out the flavors of your edible finds by cleaning and storing them properly

Matsutakes (Albion). Photo by Katherine Elvin

Online Learning

Advice and self-challenges to build your skills.

"Fuchsi" (Hygrocybe coccinea). Photo by Joshua Becker

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities for students, non-profits, and FFSC members studying fungi.

"Now that's a hedgehog". Credit: Unknown

What We're Reading

Browse our selection of books and articles on mycology.

"Mushrooms Demystified" ©  David Arora
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