What is Mycology?
Mycology is the study of fungi, including
wild mushrooms. What is the Colorado Mycological
Society? A group of people with diverse interests
including socializing, hiking, nature study,
photography and edible wild foods. Their common
focus is an interest in learning more about wild
mushrooms.
How long has the Colorado Mycological Society been in
existence?
The Colorado Mycological Society is a
nonprofit corporation established in 1967 to
advance the understanding of, and to stimulate
interest in, the field of mycology. Our members
collect specimens for identification,
preservation and study. CMS is affiliated with
the North American Mycological Association
[NAMA]. CMS provides consulting services to the
Denver Botanic Gardens, the Rocky Mountain Poison
Center, County agents and others.
When does CMS meet?
We meet once a month from March through
October. Meetings are usually held on the second
Monday night of each month. CMS meetings provide
an informal opportunity to socialize and exchange
information with others interested in mycology.
Each meeting features a lecture and/or slide
presentation on mycology or a related subject.
Speakers include nationally known mycologists,
outside specialists and knowledgeable members.
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What does CMS do?
Knowledgeable CMS members lead mushroom
forays (outings) to different locations around
the state. We collect and study all kinds of
mushrooms on these forays. We usually have them
on Saturday or Sunday. There are forays almost
every weekend from mid-June through
mid-September. We leave in the morning and are
usually back by mid-afternoon. You must be a
member of CMS to attend our forays. Forays are
probably the best way to learn to recognize
different kinds of Colorado wild mushrooms. They
are also a good way to meet interesting people.
CMS periodically offers classes in beginning
mushroom identification for members and the
general public. We also sponsor classes on
growing edible mushrooms and mushroom
photography.
CMS offers free use of its mycology reference
library to CMS members. You can check out field
guides and other books at no charge. We also
offer a variety of new books and tee shirts for
sale at each meeting.
We hold a Mushroom Fair each year in August
at the Denver Botanic Gardens to educate the
general public and club members about wild
mushrooms. August is the height of the mushroom
season in Colorado, and members from around the
state bring in a large variety of mushrooms for
identification and display. The fair is open to
the general public on Sunday. It is a great time
to learn more about mushrooms!
We sponsor an annual mushroom photography
contest for members.
CMS publishes Spores Afield, a
nationally recognized mycological newsletter
containing news from across the state and around
the nation.
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