Are you a mycophile? (my·co·phile: a devotee of mushrooms; especially one whose hobby is hunting wild edible mushrooms)

The Oregon Mycological Society offers activities and educational opportunities for its members to study, collect and identify edible and non-edible fungi, and to learn how to gather and enjoy edible mushrooms safely. Membership in the OMS is open to fungi enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. The Society was founded in 1949 and is affiliated with the North American Mycological Association.

Field Trips

Held in the fall and spring, field trips are exclusively for OMS members. Conducted by volunteers from within the OMS, trips are subject to weather and hunting conditions. Most field trips are held on weekends, but occasional weekday trips are available. Field trip leaders generally arrange a meeting location, gather the group for preliminary instructions, and suggest locations for participants to hunt. At a pre-arranged time, the field trip leader and participants gather together to identify the mushrooms collected. Participants are responsible for their own safety during the hunt and for any mushrooms they choose to consume.

Forays

Each year, the society hosts two forays; one in the fall on the Oregon Coast, and the other in the spring in the Cascades. In recent years, forays have been held at camps offering comfortable indoor accommodations, group meals, and roomy facilities. Every effort is made to keep the costs affordable for individuals and families. Foraging conditions vary from year to year, but we can guarantee fun, learning opportunities and camaraderie at the fall and spring forays.

Monthly Meetings

OMS meetings feature guest lectures by mycologists, researchers, chefs and workshop leaders on a variety of mushroom-related topics.

Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month except July and December, in the Forest Discovery Center, Cheatham Hall, 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon. Cheatham Hall is across the street from Washington Park Station on the MAX Red Line, near the Zoo.

Classes

Beginners and experienced fungi enthusiasts benefit from classes held prior to monthly meetings. Focusing on seasonal mushrooms, specimens provided by the instructor and attendees are identified and discussed. Pre-meeting classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and are for members only.

Fall Mushroom Show

Held the third Sunday in October, the OMS Fall Mushroom Show is the premier OMS event for the community. Members collect edible and non-edible Pacific Northwest mushroom specimens for the display tables.

Setup begins on Saturday with fungi displays arranged early on Sunday morning for a noon opening. Cultivation kits, books, crafts and art are displayed and sold at the Show. Member participation is essential for the success of the Fall Show. No identification skills are necessary. All it takes is a willingness to dig in and do what needs to be done.

Committees and Special Interest Groups

The OMS has special interest groups and committees dedicated to subject areas including identification, cultivation, toxicology, microscopy and cookery. These groups and committees hold their own meetings and activities, and are open to all OMS members.

Volunteer, Leadership and Community Outreach Opportunities

As with any active organization, there is a lot of work to do behind the scenes. Members who enjoy getting involved and welcome the challenge can find many ways to participate or apply specialized skills. If you have an interest or skill, there will be an opportunity to use it in OMS.

For information on joining the OMS, visit our registration page or contact our Membership Chair via the Contact page.