News & Stories / Stewardship Jackson Demonstration State Forest Permit Changes Rules for mushroom gathering at Jackson Demonstration State Forest have recently changed. Deb • August 18, 2014 Bolete with Newt. Photo by Yevgeny Nyden Due to massive abuse of the system the JDSF no longer issues free personal collection permits. The only permits now issued are commercial permits. The good news is that the permits are $20 per year with no weight limit. The not-so-good news is that the permit must be applied for in person and the office is now open Monday–Friday. If you're planning to go to Mendocino this year, we suggest getting a permit ahead of time —it's good through 2014. We realize this presents a challenge to the usual order of things at our Albion forays. The FFSC ministers will be sorting out details and working towards a solution. In the meantime, if your travels take you to Ft. Bragg during the week, do yourself a favor and pick up a permit; the fine for collecting without a permit is $1000. See the FAQ sheet from the JDSF office , and stay tuned for further details. Contact info: Jackson Demonstration State Forest 802 N Main St. Fort Bragg CA 95437 (707) 964-5674 Fax: (707) 964-0941 Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Soquel State Demonstration Forest Permits Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Field Report - 2021 NAMA Foray Grandby CO I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual North American Mycological Association (NAMA) foray that was held at a beautiful YMCA camp just outside of Granby, Colorado from August 12th through the 15th. This camp is located in the traditional summer residential valley of several native American tribes, the Utes, Arapahoe, and Cheyenne among others. Phil Carpenter • October 28, 2021 NAMA Logo For those unfamiliar with this NAMA event, it is held at a different location every year, always selected for a time and place where mushrooms are, or at least should be, coming up. This year, contrary to several past years, the selected location had extensive mushrooms, that is if you were over 10,000’ in elevation. The seasonal monsoon conditions favored several southwestern states this year, including Colorado, at least over 10,000’. Every afternoon we were treated to those showy cumulonimbus clouds rolling in accompanied by thunder and lightning. Our last night there we even had a prolonged shower at the camp. It was good to see rain again! This annual foray is a great experience to visit other parts of North America to meet like-minded people and see the mushrooms of that area. Many forays are always held, a full team of sorters and identification experts is on-hand to put names on things and each year, examples of all the mushrooms found are described and vouchered. This year the foray was attended by over 250 people, many that were friends that I’ve made over several past forays. It was great to reacquaint with old friends and make some new ones. Just like our local forays, attendees to the NAMA forays are friendly, easy to talk to and pleasant to be around. For me, the draw for these forays is always the mushrooms. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the wide variety of different mushrooms in different parts of the world. As such, I went out on every opportunity there was to sign up. There were daily all day and four to six half day trips each day so there was ample opportunity to visit different habitats. It is always pleasing and somewhat surprising how many things I recognize. I typically recognize most things I see at least to genus. Even things that appear to be a species I recognize, I am unwilling to try to put a species name on them. I’ve been wrong too many times. Many familiar genera were found: Amanita, Russula, Lactarius, Hebaloma, Suillus, Hygrophorus, Albatrellus, Leccinum, many Cortinarius, etc. A total of just over 150 species were identified and vouchered. While the tables holding the finds from each foray were sagging under the numbers found, many were repeats. The most collected species for the trip was the familiar Amanita muscaria (variety flavivolvata). I had heard reports that a species I was looking forward to finding was abundant this year: the famed red-capped porcini of the Rockies, Boletus rubriceps . And yes it was. They were big, beautiful, bountiful and bug-free (for the most part). I estimate that I picked over 20 pounds. After the foray, I met my cousin who lives fairly close so I was able to donate them to his dwindling stash of dried boletes. I've been told that that species is the best tasting of all the different porcini species. After having them several different ways, I can report that I found them no better or no worse than our local king boletes. In other words, delicious! As the NAMA Trustee for the Central Pacific Region, liaison to NAMA for 12 local clubs, I attended the board meeting where the business of running a national organization was conducted. In many ways it is quite the same as what I've been part of for the FFSC for the past 35+ years. One decision made at that meeting is that the location for next year's foray will be in the Missouri hills. In addition to the numerous collecting trips at the foray, there is always a variety of excellent presentations available to attend every day. Every evening there are several talks given to the entire assembly of attendees. One of the more interesting ones I heard was a talk on burn morels. As someone who makes several trips every year to our burn sites in CA, I was curious to see what he had to say. Instead of just driving up to a burn area to scope it out, he presented ways of using current technology to do scouting from a distance. He used burn maps, topo maps to judge steepness and orientation (north-facing slopes versus south, etc.), aerial photography to judge canopy cover, rainfall maps to judge moisture content and timing, and other maps to judge access roads. This guy had it down to a science! He showed the anticipated pictures of mountains of morels and even one that he took of someone's haul that had been confiscated by the authorities for some reason. He ended the talk with the statement that he can't eat morels. That brought down the house. As I have had in the past, I had a great time, learned a few new species and renewed some friendships. I'm looking forward to Missouri. You should consider joining me!! If you're an FFSC member, you can get a club discount on your NAMA membership. Visit Other Mycological Clubs for details. Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts My Adventures in Telluride Colorado Phil Carpenter receives Knighton Award at Appalachia NAMA 2023 Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Stewardship Faces of FFSC – Adam Ryszka November’s Face of FFSC is Adam Ryszka, our new Local Foray Minister. Adam has been a member of FFSC for about two years. However, he was hangin’ round with FFSC members for several years prior to joining. Wendy Wells • November 2, 2009 Adam Ryszka (Nov 2009) He balances interests in computer science and business development with a variety of hobbies including hiking, classic Jaguars and, of course, chasing the wild fungi. Adam is excited with the opportunity to lead forays and help members learn the way of the mushroom. What event started his interest in mushrooms? According to Adam, his best friend in high school was a fungi-geek type of guy who was always running around with a copy of David Arora’s Mushrooms Demystified. His friend’s fascination with mushrooms was contagious. That was 15 years ago and Adam has been seeking myco-knowledge since then. He moved from SoCal to attend UC Santa Cruz. Increased time enjoying hiking and jogging led to more and more mushroom discoveries which led to hooking up with FFSC members which led to leading our local forays. Adam has been exploring the Santa Cruz area for a number of years and is quite knowledgeable about local mushroom habitats. He is quick to offer suggestions on types of environments to look for when planning a foray and looks forward to sharing his knowledge. What prompted you to become our new Local Foray Minister? Well… it was those FFSC guys he had been going on forays with. About four years ago, Adam went on his first FFSC foray to Marshall Fields with Bob Sellers. He continued to attend forays and his enthusiasm for learning became apparent to many members. As his mushroom identification skills increased, he was approached about the possibility of becoming the local foray leader. He credits Bob’s special guidance and encouragement with helping him walk the path to becoming our new foray leader. What is your favorite mushroom? Basket of boletes. Photo by Adam Ryzska Boletes in Autumn was the quick answer. Adam has a fondness for many mushrooms and a nice collection of bolete patches to call his own. Who is your favorite foray partner? Why, that would be Henry Young, of course. Adam has forayed numerous times with Henry. During this time their friendship has blossomed. He appreciates the support and valuable insight Henry has offered while Adam prepared for his new role as foray leader. Do you have any suggestions for other ‘newer’ mem-bers? First and foremost, group participation is key. Attend meetings and ID classes and get to know other members. Many of our members are happily willing to share their myco-knowledge. Secondly, attend local and long distance forays. Forays include identification sessions that present valuable learning opportunities. They also foster new friendships and ideas. Adam encourages member questions and input. He explained he is always looking for new places to foray, feedback and tips. Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts FFSC Scholarship Awarded to Kristopher Hennig FFSC Scholarship Awarded to Christian Schwarz Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / The Wine and Mushroom Experience was Phenomenal One of the wettest storms of the season greeted festive party participants at the Scotts Valley Community Center. Everyone walked out of the rain and into a beautiful bright and cheery room decorated with a glowing grape arbor. Margaret Carpenter • April 2, 2011 Wine and Mushroom Experience. Photo by Margaret Carpenter All your senses were immediately engaged—the smell of Bob Wynn’s craterellus pizza and foccacia bread permeated the air along with the wafting fragrance of stuffed morels. The sight of numerous other appetizers filling the table was tempting and made your mouth water. The pleasant murmur of sounds, the sheer draping and amethyst grape lights drew us to the tasting tables. The Plan was to enjoy an evening of wine and mushroom tasting with first-class wines and foods provided by the Fungus Federation members and excellent Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation wineries. The Plan was fulfilled. Jeff Emery of Santa Cruz Mountain Winery arranged for six exceptional SC area wineries to share their wines. We were not disappointed: we were given the opportunity to enjoy excellent wines from Ahlgren Vineyard, Alfaro Family Vineyard, Beauregard Vineyards, Muns Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard and Silver Mountain Vineyards. The wineries and their representatives were outstanding and our senses were rewarded with appropriate, enticing aromas, perfect colors, and pleasurable tastes. The appetizer table was overflowing and the entrée table was beyond our wildest imagination. And then there was the dessert table… the decadence was beyond description. Candy Cap Mango Brulée, Candy Cap brittle, chocolate, chocolate and more candycaps. And rising above all the desserts was a field of astounding chocolate mushrooms – the artistic and extravagant creations of Fred Molnar and Debbie Johnson. I saw many people taking pictures of this chocolate mushroom collection with their cell phones. This was an exceptional evening; many thanks to everyone for their efforts. Special thanks go to Bob Wynn, our chef and food coordinator and to the Santa Cruz Mountain vintners who shared their outstanding wines. As with most of our events, we could not have done this without our fantastic volunteers who help before, during and after the event. You transformed the room for a gala party event and cleaned it all up afterward. Thank you yet again! As perfect as the night was, there were traffic challenges with over 120 people present. A learning curve... we hope to use this venue again and plan to change the table layout and traffic flow, so our next event here will be better than perfect! If you are an entertainer at heart, or would just like to join the party early, please consider joining the Culinary Committee. Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Microscopy of Gilled Mushrooms For all of you, who are wishing for some information on microscopic features of fungi, Allan Rockefeller has given us a link to a comprehensive article he helped write. Cortinarius • August 10, 2014 Alan Rockefeller with a microscope (image hosted on edibleeastbay.com) This is really the ABC's of micological microscopy... the next best thing to taking a microscopy course. This is one fantastic resource for those who want to take their knowledge and ID skills one step farther. Check it out! https://images.mushroomobserver.org/Fungal%20Microscopy.pdf Thank you Allan Rockefeller for sending the link, and to Mikael NoLine, the site administrator, for permission to use. Also thanks to Marje Young and Debra Johnson for passing it along to me. Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Spring Fungi of the Sierra Nevada, 2014 Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Field Reports Field Report - Nov 2025 Local Foray After scant fall rains, about 30 inquisitive fungiphiles met on a Saturday morning to see what might be popping up in our local fields and forests. Dan Tischler • November 1, 2025 Phil explains why not to eat Amanita phalloides. On a beautiful summerlike day, the mushroom spirits were smiling on us with quite a few porcini and coccora making their appearance, along with a good representation of other local fungi. Login as a member to see the full species list below. Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts January 2016 Field Report Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Matsutake or Amanita? Thank You, Debbie Viess! Since last year the Albion forays are one of my favorite times of the mushroom season. This season, at the first Albion, I joined Dawn, Drew, Sergiy and Richard to foray for matsutake. Maria Tanase • January 1, 2011 Western Matsutake (Tricholoma murrillianum). Photo by Hugh Smith At the first stop, three feet into the forest, Richard found the first cluster of mushrooms and he called Dawn to come from the car, to pick them. Unfortunately the cluster was a group of Russula and Lactarius, not matsies, and the spot was almost empty. Sergiy finally got 3 matsutake and I found 2 (one big, ID’d by Richard, and then a button). Back at the cars Dawn, looking at my button, asked how I could be sure that is a matsutake. At the next spot I found a few more matsutake and then we moved to a chanterelle spot. Having a good Santa Cruz chanterelle spot, I wasn’t too much into picking chanterelles so I started picking hedgehogs. Then I stepped on the Black Trumpets ( Craterellus cornucopioides ) and in no time my basket was full with blacks, even if it wasn’t their season. I learned later that this location is a known blacks spot by others, but none had thought to check it. Back at the Field Station I sorted and cleaned the mushrooms, but I still had a doubt about those two matsutakes. I asked Debbie Viess if she would take a look at my first pair of matsutakes and, as always, the answer was “Yes, I’d be glad to”. I took my first-picked matsutake from the bag and showed it to her. The answer was “yes it is a Matsie”, but when I showed her the second one, even with that button still in my hand, the answer was immediately “now that is a bad Amanita - Amanita silvicola ”. Then she and David explained to me, and a few other people around, the differences between matsutakes and Amanita and what to check for. A lesson I will never forget. Thank you to Debbie and to all FFSC club leaders. The organized forays are the best way to really learn mushrooms, and believe me with an Amanita in your basket by mistake, the lesson has much more weight. Learn more about these mushrooms: Tricholoma Murrillianum (Matsutake) Mykoweb: Amanita silvicola Mykoweb: Tricholoma murrillianum Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Albion II, 2011 – Great Forays, Fungi and Food Memories of Matsutake Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Field Reports 2016 March Sierra Report With the warmer weather and rain, it looked like a good time to check out the Sierras. Here are our findings. Sue Labiste • March 23, 2016 Peziza (cup fungus). Photo by Katherine Elvin Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts 2013 Sierra Scouting Report Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Field Reports Albion I, 2010 – A Great Time for All The Albion I foray was a great success with everyone finding edible and non-edible mushrooms. We had a full house of fungiphiles and enjoyed forays and an incredible Saturday evening potluck. Bill White • January 1, 2011 Corals (Albion I, 2010). Photo by Stephanie Maklan The species diversity was awesome with over 100 species identified (see list below). Also check out Maria Tanase’s article regarding look-alike Matsutake and Amanita silvicola buttons. Albion I, 2010. Photo by Stephanie Maklan Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Albion II, 2011 – Great Forays, Fungi and Food Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Mycology & Art News Stephen Axfords Macro Lens Photography This other-worldly view of fungi from New South Wales, Australia should not be missed. Cortinarius • May 20, 2014 These specimens look like oysters holding silver pearls. This image is hosted on www.dailymail.co.uk . © Stephen Axford/Hotspot Media Axford’s work is 12 years in the making, and worth a look. Much of his work allows us to see structure and detail otherwise invisible. The images are jaw dropping, crisp and colorful. Some are even glow-in-the-dark. For more, visit the website below. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2630349/Now-theyre-magic-mushrooms-Amazing-images-reveal-glow-dark-fungi-lighting-forests-alien-like-toadstools.html Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Forager's Feast Photo Album Mycology & Art News Mushroom Photo Exhibition Mycology & Art News Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Mycology & Art News Forager's Feast Photo Album Chef Bob Wynn, Forager-in-Chief Sue Labiste and the FFSC Culinary committee, led by Margaret Carpenter, cooked up a truly wild event this year featuring foraged foods. Katherine (Kitty) Elvin • October 13, 2015 Foragers Feast table setting with menu Wild mushrooms complemented by an array of indigenous foods, thanks to our intrepid foragers, preppers and Fall Mushroom Dinner planners Bob, Sue, Fred Molnar, Cat Gunderson, Bill and Annie Lang and Debbie Johnson. As you can see by our happy faces. Thanks to Vellany Pierce for taking pictures. Editors Note: This article previously linked to a photo album on Google Plus, which Google no longer supports. If you have photos from this event, share them in our Google Group, Facebook Group, or Discord server and we'll be happy to link to the album! Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts A Very Mushroomy Halloween To You, Too! Mycology & Art News Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Soquel State Demonstration Forest Permits We are incredibly fortunate to have this collecting resource available to us. Mushroom gathering is by permit only. Due to increased demand, only a limited number of permits will be issued, so get yours soon, before the permits are all taken. Dan Tischler • October 29, 2024 Mushrooms in the area of the Soquel Demonstration Forest Please do not request a permit unless you plan on going there. Remember that in the winter it can be a difficult drive to get to the forest, and you will need to walk 1/2 mile before entering the legal gathering area. Here is the SDF map and so me forest rules . If you would like to request a permit please, visit the Soquel Demo Forest Website and look for the Mushroom Gathering Permit under "Recreation" and follow the instructions on permit request form. You should recieve your permit by email within a few minutes. Please note that extensive parts of the forest will be closed to access due to recent and ongoing logging activity Please respect all closures areas so that we can contiue using the forest. Mushroom picking is not permitted in any area administratively closed by the Forest Manager whether or not mushroom gathering is specified on closure signs. From October 16, 2024 through May 1, 2025, Corral Trail and Corral Road remain closed, as well as the entire area of the Sulphur Timber Harvesting Plan (except for passage along Hihn's Mill Road and Sulphur Springs Road). See map below for locations. The Sulphur THP area is closed to entry since hazards exist such as loose hanging branches, rough terrain and loose logs. Please stay on roads while passing through the Sulphur THP area and follow any signage you may encounter along roads and trails. You may not wander into the timber area to gather mushrooms- stay on the road! Failure to obey signage may jeopardize the mushroom gathering program at the forest. Look for Area Closed signs, timber operations, crews working, rehabilitation areas, research sites, etc. and obey the closures. For more info on the closures, visit the SDF website . Before going to the forest it is always best to check for updated information at https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRESoquel/ . Remember that this forest is in a remote location with very limited cell phone reception. Please follow all of the rules on the permit and posted at the forest. Remember in particular that the parking area and the first 1/2 mile of the road are private property and no picking is permitted. For additional information, see the Calfire website at Soquel Demonstration State Forest . Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Jackson Demonstration State Forest Permit Changes Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article