During the rainy season FFSC offers guided local mushroom forays, the best way to safely learn about finding wild fungi.
We concentrate on finding, enjoying and learning a bit about some of our local mushrooms. We meet at a forested area in Santa Cruz County or the Monterey Bay area, talk about the types of mushrooms that can grow in the area's habitat, and then begin to hunt.
Depending on the location chosen and the type of permit available, there may be some collection allowed; otherwise the goal will be education. If collection is allowed, we may hunt as a group and/or split up for a couple hours and then meet back together to show each other our fungal finds. The foray leader(s) will do our best to help you identify what you found, answer questions, and share knowledge. Always a fun family activity!
The exact location is sent out to registered participants a couple of days before the foray. Please do not share the location with others.
Occasionally some local forays may also include tailgate cooking (bring your own food and beverages) and tasting of any edibles collected. This will be announced in the foray's description.
What to wear
Layered warm clothing, sturdy footwear for hiking, and Tecnu if you get poison oak! Gloves for moving branches aside may also be useful.
Activity level
Some locations are relatively flat; others may involve steeper mountain roads or trails. When we collect as a group, we usually move fairly slowly while looking for and discussing mushrooms. If we split up, you can hike at your own pace.
What to bring
Basket or bucket to hold mushrooms, a knife and perhaps a small trowel. Waxed paper or brown paper bags to hold mushrooms (plastic bags are not recommended). A field guide if you have one (David Arora's All That The Rain Promises and More is a good choice for our area). Bring your own water or beverage to stay hydrated. Snacks are optional.
What to read
Before joining any foray, we ask that you read and follow FFSC's mushroom collection ethics and etiquette guidelines, to ensure that we continue to be welcome at foray locations.
Beginners are welcome
You don't need prior experience. That said, if you've never taken a mushroom ID class, we also encourage you to read FFSC's Learn about Wild Mushroom ID pages.
Past Local Forays
Log. Photo by Dan Tischler
Local Forays
Join local forays in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas. Learn while exploring our local woods and fields with like-minded people.