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Amanita muscaria on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Photo by Ron Bader Amanita muscaria Ron Bader I took this photo in Sterling Alaska while on the FFSC Alaska Long Distance Foray at Bill White's Alaska Sports lodge on Sept. 1, 2017. Camera Apple iPhone 4 Focal L. 4mm Aperture f/2.8 Shutter Sp. 1/100s ISO 80 Flash Off Photo taken on September 1, 2017 Mushroom(s) ... Previous Photo Back to Gallery Next Photo

News & Stories / Bradley's Secret Spot Today, in the woods, I saw a little lump in the pine needle duff… Bradley Dunbaugh • December 1, 2009 Bolete under dufff. Photo by Bradley Dunbaugh I saw a little lump in the pine needle duff... I wondered, what could it be? A bolete!!! Ahh... happiness! Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

Dr. Bill Schoenbart Practitioner of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture Dr. Bill Schoenbart is a practitioner of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture with over 30 years of experience. He has been working with medicinal herbs since 1969, with a clinical practice in traditional Chinese herbal medicine since 1991. His work has taken him through every aspect of the herb industry: research, manufacturing, product safety, botanical identity, efficacy, label reviews, trade associations, teaching, and clinical practice. From a very young age, he has been fascinated by nature. He would spend hours each day exploring the forests, meadows, rivers, and ponds near his childhood home. Field guides to insects, animals, and plants were worn out from constant use. General science and biology classes were also his favorite subjects in school. So, it’s no coincidence that his career path led to a field that combines biology with botany. https://doctorbillschoenbart.com/ herbalproductconsulting.com Home - Herbal Product Consulting Make better, more effective, safer and more compliant products by working with Herbal Product Consulting. Learn more here or call us at 831-466-0980. Dr. Bill Schoenbart Upcoming Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Talks Buy Tickets Medicinal Mushrooms - Traditional Usage and Modern Science (Saturday) This talk will review the traditional functions and indications of turkey tail, reishi, and lion's mane, and we will discuss clinical studies and research… Show More Saturday, January 13, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Room 3 Medicinal Mushrooms - Traditional Usage and Modern Science (Sunday) This talk will review the traditional functions and indications of turkey tail, reishi, and lion's mane, and we will discuss clinical studies and research… Show More Sunday, January 14, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Room 3 Medicinal Mushrooms Science and Traditional Usage Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. They have also been the subject of numerous scientific studies in recent… Show More Saturday, January 11, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Room 3 Medicinal Mushrooms Traditional Usage and Modern Science Sunday, January 12, 2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 AM Room 1 Medicinal Mushrooms Traditional Usage in Chinese Medicine and Modern Scientific Research Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. They have also been the subject of numerous scientific studies in recent… Show More Saturday, January 10, 2026 3:50 PM - 4:50 PM Room 3 Energetics of Medicinal Mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine: How they Work Along with Herbs to Treat Various Conditions Sunday, January 11, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Room 1 Past Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Talks Energetics of Medicinal Mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine: How they Work Along with Herbs to Treat Various Conditions Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Sunday, January 11, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Room 1 Medicinal Mushrooms Traditional Usage in Chinese Medicine and Modern Scientific Research Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. They have also been the subject of numerous scientific studies in recent years. This talk will review the traditional functions and indications of turkey tail, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane, and we will discuss clinical studies and research into these incredible gifts from nature. Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Saturday, January 10, 2026 3:50 PM - 4:50 PM Room 3 Medicinal Mushrooms Traditional Usage and Modern Science Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Sunday, January 12, 2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 AM Room 1 Medicinal Mushrooms Science and Traditional Usage Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. They have also been the subject of numerous scientific studies in recent years. This talk will review the traditional functions and indications of turkey tail, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane, and we will discuss clinical studies and research into these incredible gifts from nature. Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Saturday, January 11, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Room 3 Medicinal Mushrooms - Traditional Usage and Modern Science (Sunday) This talk will review the traditional functions and indications of turkey tail, reishi, and lion's mane, and we will discuss clinical studies and research into these incredible gifts from nature. Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Sunday, January 14, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Room 3 Medicinal Mushrooms - Traditional Usage and Modern Science (Saturday) This talk will review the traditional functions and indications of turkey tail, reishi, and lion's mane, and we will discuss clinical studies and research into these incredible gifts from nature. Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Saturday, January 13, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Room 3

FFSC Bylaws FFSC's Bylaws encapsulate our organization's purpose and goals, and provide the structure needed to accomplish it all. You may not find the details as engaging a read as a good novel, but the document gives insight into how we're organized. Pilobolus. Photo by Judith Ogus The club voted on and approved a new set of bylaws on April 21, 2026. Take a look, especially at the descriptions of the Ministerial duties! Perhaps you'll find an area where your interests and talents can find a home, either as a future minister or as part of a ministerial subcommittee. FFSC Revised Bylaws 2026 .pdf Download PDF • 238KB Members Only Content Login Join FFSC

News & Stories / Stewardship Change is Afoot: Duff Prepares to Go Online Editoricus blatheronsus ... As we prepare to enter the New Millennium, a host of changes awaits the members of The Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz. Larry Payne • October 1, 2000 Marasmius plicatulus. © themylkwoodfaery (CC-BY-NC) (from inaturalist.org, obs. 38921601) Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

News & Stories / Special Thanks from Minister of Stores A special thanks to everyone who helped get us through the 2001 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair. John Brown • March 1, 2001 FFSC store at a past Santa Cruz Fungus Fair. Photo by Mary Alice Jonason Davis Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

Gyromitra sp. (pig's ear). 2015. Photo by Steve Olson Found a Pig's Ear in the Woods! Steve Olejniczak Steve found this interesting mushroom while out looking for morels in Minnesota and took an iPhone picture. Location: Welch, MN Elevation: 100 ft elevation roughly Environment: Mixed hardwood forest ID confirmation pending from experts, but tentatively: Gyromitra (Discina) ancilis (pig's ear); or Neogyromitra (Gyromitra) brunnea (gabled false morel) Camera Apple iPhone Focal L. Aperture Shutter Sp. ISO Flash Photo taken on May 12, 2015 Mushroom(s) ... Previous Photo Back to Gallery Next Photo

News & Stories / Tapas Tasting at Blacks Beach Cafe, February 2000 We gladly welcomed some enthusiastic new members to the 1st annual Tapas tasting party. Rene Seltzer • March 1, 2000 Cantharellus cibarius. © beepboop (CC-BY-NC) (inaturalist.org, obs. 13671576) Our February culinary fungal event was held at Blacks Beach Cafe. The attendance was high (there were only 3 spaces left at the tables). Hats off to Chef Robert Morris and his staff for great food and a job well done. Special appreciation to members Bob Wynn for suggesting and arranging Blacks Beach. Margie Young for reservations and hostessing, and Debbie Johnson and Bob Wynn for the local foray to find mushrooms used in the feast. Robert, the chef and owner, also supports local artists. Lynn Pio's colorful fantastic art was on display and I understand the 'French fries' are not to be missed. I wouldn't be surprised to see Blacks Beach Cafe on the culinary calendar for February 2001 for the 2nd annual Tapas tasting party. Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article

Members Holiday Potluck A Festive Gathering for Members and Their Guests Spend a delicious evening in the company of the great cooks of the FFSC at our annual members' Holiday Potluck! We’re excited to invite all Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz members and their guests to our Annual Holiday Potluck—a cherished tradition that brings together our community, celebrates mushrooms, and embraces the spirit of the season! The 2026 Holiday Potluck will be held on Sunday, December 13, 6:30pm - 9:30pm at a new location. Get ready for a wonderful spread of mushroom-themed dishes, lovingly prepared and shared by our vibrant community. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just enjoy trying new flavors, this is your chance to showcase your culinary creativity and connect with fellow mushroom enthusiasts! Our Zero-Waste Commitment Let’s make this gathering eco-friendly! In support of our zero-waste policy, please bring your own reusable place settings—this includes a plate, glass, and silverware. Together, we can reduce waste and make this event as green as it is festive. Dish and Beverage Guidelines Bob and his crew will prepare a large main dish and a green salad. We welcome appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts. Need some culinary inspiration? Check out some of the mushroom recipes other members have shared over the years! Bring a dish to share that serves at least 10 people. If you’ll be bringing guests, please increase your portion size so everyone can enjoy the feast! Label your dish clearly, especially noting which mushroom species you’ve used. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, all dishes must comply with our Suggested Species List. If you’re new to mushroom cooking, we encourage you to use commercial or cultivated mushrooms. And remember—desserts are always a hit! Don’t forget to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy throughout the evening. Potluck Essentials & Guidelines For more details on what to bring, tips for labeling your dish, and to view our complete Suggested Species List, please check out our Potluck Essentials . Inviting Guests? Guests are warmly welcome! Just be sure to adjust your dish size so there’s plenty for all. Let’s make this holiday season memorable—with delicious food, good friends, and a shared commitment to community and sustainability. We look forward to seeing you at the potluck! (This event replaces December's member meeting and guest speaker.) Members Only Content Login Join FFSC

Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Morels Here is a morel recipe from Phil Carpenter. This stuffing can be used on cap-type mushrooms also! by Phil Carpenter Morels at camp. Photo by Katherine Elvin Method Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine the stuffing mixture ingredients in a medium to large bowl. Carefully slice each morel lengthwise along one side only. (Do not cut both sides.) Partially open the morels and fill with the stuffing mixture (being careful not to tear them.) Place on a dry or lightly oiled cookie sheet. and bake for 10–15 minutes until mushrooms soften. Recipe contributed: April 2011 Objective: Appetizer Total Time: About 30-45 minutes Yield: 4 to 8 (depending on size of morels) Suggested Mushrooms: Morel (Morchella sp.) Join FFSC or renew your membership to access the rest of this content. Join FFSC Login as an FFSC member to access the rest of this content. Login Ingredients 12–18 medium to large fresh morels Stuffing Mixture 8 oz soft cream cheese 2 Tbsp finely chopped shallots 1⁄2 tsp finely chopped garlic 2 Tbsp soy sauce 6–8 oz chopped crab meat 1–2 Tbsp finely chopped Italian parsley Pepper to taste Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe

Shannon Adams PSMS foray lead, lecturer and Mycoflora committee chair Shannon is a passionate amateur mycologist and user experience researcher who lives in Seattle. Her interest in fungi started over 20 years ago when she relocated to the region and was impressed by the diversity of mushrooms she saw while hiking. What began as an artistic pursuit, painting botanical illustrations of fungi, evolved into a desire to identify and a deep fascination with fungal taxonomy, particularly with the genus Cortinarius. Today, Shannon actively contributes to the field of mycology by observing, collecting, identifying, and describing new species. Her personal herbarium contains over 1,500 Cortinarius, she has described two species new to science and is currently working on additional new species. She is a frequent foray lead and event speaker - primarily teaching about the Cortinariaceae but also advocating for greater participation in community science. Shannon has been a longtime volunteer at PSMS - serving two terms on the PSMS Board, teaching classes in microscopy and acting as chair for the Mycoflora sequencing committee. Shannon Adams Upcoming Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Talks Buy Tickets From Saucepan to Science Foraging Feasting and Phylogeny Saturday, January 11, 2025 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Room 1 Past Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Talks From Saucepan to Science Foraging Feasting and Phylogeny Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Saturday, January 11, 2025 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Room 1

News & Stories / Cam Cam by Taylor Lockwood Cam Cam is a short video of mushrooms and original music by Taylor Lockwood. Yevgeny Nyden • June 21, 2014 A photo from Taylor's "Cam Cam" YouTube video. © Taylor Lockwood A short video clip from Taylor F. Lockwood: Cam Cam (39 seconds) with some of his new "Brazilian" music. It will be included in Taylor's latest video project, Spirits of the Forest. Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Taylor Lockwood's National Geographic Magazine Debut Bioluminescent Mushrooms from Spirits of the Forest Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article