What do we do on a MOMS Foray?

By Peggy Green with photos by Judi Thomas

A Well-Equipped Basket

MOMS mushroom forays are a great opportunity to learn about mushrooms and their habitats, hone your skills for finding them, and meet others who share your interest in the fascinating world of all things fungi. We’ll meet at the gathering spot that’s identified on our website, give you a quick rundown on what we’ll be looking for, split into smaller groups, and head into the woods to start collecting mushrooms. NOT JUST THE EDIBLE ONES! After the foray we’ll meet back at a designated spot and identify the specimens with the goal of creating a species list for the foray. We keep and log the lists of fungi found on forays for future study and reference.

• What to Wear - We will be walking through the woods, not necessarily on the trails. Be prepared for burrs, thorns, poison ivy, ticks, mosquitos, and other woodland hazards. We recommend wearing pants and long-sleeve shirts. Bring insect repellent and plenty of water.
• Mushroom Collecting - We’ll collect samples of the various fungi we find along the way. We try to harvest the mushroom from the root to aid in identification. If you’re collecting edible specimens, cut off at ground level to keep the mushrooms as clean as possible before placing them in your collection bag. Here are some tools you might use for collecting:
  • Basket
  • Collection knife
  • Mushroom identification tools such as reference books and a magnifying glass
  • Waxed paper bags to keep specimens separated.  Mushrooms tend to become mushy in plastic bags, so we try to avoid using them.
• Other handy items - After the foray we’ll meet and try to identify what we’ve found. Sometimes we have lunch or a snack. Chairs and picnic items can come in handy. Your foray leader will let you know.

There are thousands of different mushroom species throughout our state. Most are not edible, but they’re just as interesting and fascinating as the delicious ones. The variety we collect on a foray is eye opening. Come, have fun, and learn. It’s well worth it!

Collection Knives

Hand Lens & Camera

Waxed Paper Bags & Bug Spray

Here is a list of confirmed MOMS forays for 2022  

For more information or to register for a foray, please visit the website:
https://momyco.org/events/calendar
 

Sunday, May 1, 2022 @ 10 AM with Robert Wunder

Sponsoring Chapter: Kansas City
Smithville Lake, Kansas City, MO
View Event

Saturday, May 7, 2022 @ 10 AM with Trevor Rodgers

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Rockwoods Reservation, Wildwood, MO
View Event

Saturday, May 21, 2022 @ 10 AM with Malissa Briggler

Sponsoring Chapter: MidMO
New Bloomfield, MO (directions to foray provided after registration accepted)
View Event

Saturday, June 4, 2022 @ 10 AM with Dennis McMillan and Judi Thomas

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Lower Meramec Park and Trail
View Event

Sunday, June 5, 2022 @ 10 AM with Robert Wunder

Sponsoring Chapter: Kansas City
Platte Falls Conservation Area
View Event

Sunday, June 12, 2022 @ 9 AM with Crystal Wake

Sponsoring Chapter: Springfield
Bennett Spring 26250 MO-64 ALT, Lebanon, MO 65536
View Event

Saturday, July 2, 2022 @ 10 AM with Patrick Harvey

Sponsoring Chapter: St. Louis
Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve County, MO
View Event

Sunday, July 10, 2022 @ 9 AM with Crystal Wake

Sponsoring Chapter: Springfield
Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area, Highlandville, MO 65669
View Event

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 @ 4 PM with Maxine Stone

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Foray and Food Fest, Cochran Shelter, Babler State Park, Wildwood, MO
View Event

Weekend of July 15-17, 2022 from 3pm Friday to Noon on Sunday with Cici Tompkins

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Sweat 'n Chanterelles, Group Site A - Meramec State Park, Sullivan, MO
View Event

Saturday, July 23, 2022 @ 10 AM with Malissa Briggler

Sponsoring Chapter: MidMO
New Bloomfield, MO (directions to foray provided after registration accepted)
View Event

Sunday, July 24, 2022 @ 10 AM with Maxine Stone

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Forest 44 Conservation Area, Valley Park, MO
View Event

Saturday, July 30, 2022 @ 10 AM with Mike Snyder

Sponsoring Chapter: MidMO
Salem, MO (directions to foray provided after registration accepted)
View Event

Saturday, August 6, 2022 @ 10 AM with Trevor Rodgers

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Castlewood State Park, Ballwin, MO
View Event

Saturday, September 3, 2022 @ 10 AM with Trevor Rodgers

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Young Conservation Area3189 State Hwy FF, Eureka, MO, 63025
View Event

Sunday, September 4, 2022 @ 12 PM with Charlie Raiser & Jan Simons

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Rockwoods Reservation, Wildwood, MO
View Event

Sunday, September 11, 2022 @ 9 AM with Crystal Wake

Sponsoring Chapter: Springfield
Little Sac Woods Conservation Area, 10455 N Farm Rd 115, Willard, MO 65781
View Event

Sunday, September 18, 2022 @ 10 AM - Foray Leader TBA

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
LaBarque Creek Conservation Area, Valley Drive, St Louis MO
View Event

Saturday, September 24, 2022 @ 10 AM with Malissa Briggler

Sponsoring Chapter: MidMO
New Bloomfield, MO (directions to foray provided after registration accepted)
View Event

Thursday, September 29 - Sunday, October 2, 2022

Sponsoring Chapter: MOMS
NAMA, YMCA Trout Lodge, 13528 State Highway AA, Potosi, MO
View Event

Saturday, October 8, 2022 @ 10 AM with Joey Hafley

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Pickle Springs Natural Area, Dorlac Rd, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
View Event

Sunday, October 9, 2022 @ 10 AM with Robert Wunder

Sponsoring Chapter: Kansas City
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park
View Event

Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ 10 AM with Crystal Wake

Sponsoring Chapter: Springfield
Roaring River State Park, 12716 Farm Road 2239, Cassville, MO 65625
View Event

Sunday, October 16, 2022 @ 10 AM with Steve Booker

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Eldon Hazlet State Park, Carlyle, IL
View Event

Saturday, October 22, 2022 @ 10 AM with Stephanie Keil & Judi Thomas

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Bellefontaine Cemetery, 4947 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO
View Event

Friday, October 28 -Sunday October 30 @ 10 AM with Shannon Stevens

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
The Hawnting, Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve County, MO
View Event

Sunday, November 6, 2022 @ 11 AM with Steve Booker & Jan Simons

Sponsoring Chapter: St Louis
Wild Times Potluck, Alta Shelter, Babler State Park, Wildwood, MO
View Event

Name That Fungus!

Can you guess this month’s specimen?

This issue’s illustration by Catherine Hu is based on a photo by Bob Mullica.

See more of Catherine’s artwork here: https://sedgeshaveedgesart.com/

Marcescent Mushrooms

Story and photos by Judi Thomas

Most mushrooms we come across while foraging are putrescent, i.e., under unfavorable conditions or after maturity they decompose and rot. However, mushrooms in a few genera, e.g., Marasmius and Mycena, will desiccate in situ under dry conditions, becoming brittle and crispy as if they had been in a dehydrator. Then when environmental conditions become favorable, they rehydrate and continue their development including spore dispersal. This phenomenon is called marcescence(1). It is similar to the ability Lichen have to go into a state of dormancy or suspended animation and revive later when environmental conditions are favorable for carrying on with their normal development.

Scientists have not yet determined the reason behind the evolutionary adaptation of marcescent mushrooms. Perhaps it is simply an adaptive behavior that allows the mushrooms to survive in dry habitats or under drought conditions. Some scientists have proposed that marcescence offers certain species a way to protect their gills and spores during periods of temperature and water stress. Others have hypothesized that when the caps of marcescent mushrooms shrivel and curl over their fertile surface this offers protection from animal and insect grazing.

Whatever the evolutionary reason for this adaptation, marcescent mushrooms can offer foragers a chance to identify a mushroom that would otherwise offer few morphological clues to its identity. We foragers can collect dry, crispy, shriveled, unrecognizable specimens and rehydrate them to the point where we can examine the gills and gill attachment and even obtain a spore print to help us identify a specimen to species. You can see this amazing transformation in an observation I posted on the Mushroom Observer website at: http://mushroomobserver.org/291242.

In addition to the Marasmius and Mycena genera, you might want to experiment with Auricularia, Exidia, and Schizophyllum which also rehydrate easily. And you may want to add rehydration to your arsenal of identification tools ... just 20 minutes in tepid water and a marcescent mushroom will look as good as a field guide photo!

Rehydration of Mycena inclinata

(1) In 1838 E.M. Fries discovered this important feature which led to the taxonomic revision that separated Marasmius from the Collybia genus.

Sweat ‘n Chanterelles

Foray, Float trip and Camping Weekend, July 15-17, 2022

By Cici Tompkins

Chanterelles, Photo by Cici Tompkins

Are you frustrated with trying to find the elusive morel or other mushrooms? This foray is for you! The chanterelle is the gem of Missouri mushrooms. It’s top notch in flavor and versatility in cooking. It’s also the easiest to find since it’s orange and stands out in the woods.

This time of year brings up many other interesting species, as well. We love to collect and identify all fungi we find in the woods.

If you are new to mushroom hunting and just want to get your feet wet this is literally the best foray weekend you can attend. After the foray Saturday morning we go on a short float trip where you can dip your feet in the water by the campgrounds or go for a short spin (1.5 hrs.) around the park in a tube or a kayak if you prefer. There is a boat ramp where we let in at the top of the park and one close to the campsite where we let out.

This is a free, family-friendly event and open to non-members. It’s all camping and potluck the whole weekend. You are welcome to come just for the foray, float, or camping.

Photo by Maxine Stone

Schedule:

Friday – 3pm arrival, 6pm potluck dinner
Saturday – 9am foray, noon lunch, 1pm float, 6pm potluck dinner
Sunday – noon departure

Items to bring:

• Swim clothes and swim shoes, float, or boat
• Bug spray
• Knife and basket
• Camping gear
• Potluck items for Friday and Saturday nights

Please do NOT bring in firewood! In Missouri parks it is forbidden to bring in outside wood because of the emerald ash borer beetle.

Please let me know if you plan to attend, but there is no official registration required.

Cici Tompkins: 303-775-7084, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Calendar:
To see the full calendar of events please click here: https://momyco.org/events/calendar

Cook's Corner

Do you have a favorite fungi-centric recipe you’d like to share with fellow mushroom lovers? Please send submissions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In this issue we bring you a recipe by chef and MOMS member Joey Hafley.

Lion’s Cakes

Recipe and photo by Joey Hafley

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. fresh Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) mushroom
• 3 bell peppers (3 different colors)
• 1 large red onion
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (or parsley if you prefer)
• 2 lemons
• 2 cups of mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire
• 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 large egg
• 1 lb. Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tbsp of granulated garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp each of salt and ground black pepper
• 1/4 lb. of unsalted butter

Yields approx. 14-16 cakes

Procedure:

1. Cut the bell peppers and red onion into a small dice and set aside in a large mixing bowl (being sure to remove the seeds from the peppers first.)
2. Cut or pull apart the Hericium erinaceus mushroom into approx. 3/4-inch pieces and add to the mixing bowl.
3. Cut the Lemon in half and squeeze juice into the bowl.
4. Add the remaining ingredients except the butter and Panko and mix well.
5. Add half the Panko and incorporate, add slightly more if needed, while saving some for later, until the mixture is not wet and will hold shape if squeezed into a ball. Pack down tight into the bowl, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
6. Remove from the refrigerator and form the mixture into pucks approximately 3-inches around and ½-inch thick and coat liberally with the remaining Panko.
7. In a cast iron skillet on medium heat melt 1 tbsp of butter and place the cakes into the skillet allowing space between to evenly cook. Once the bottoms begin to brown, but before they burn (about 1 minute), flip them into more melted butter and brown the other side.
8. Place on a plate with mixed greens tossed with lemon, olive oil and salt and pepper. Add a few spoonfuls of Pico de Gallo (freshly made is always better), drizzle over chipotle aioli and garnish with lemon.
9. Enjoy the most delicious and vegetarian-friendly crab cakes with friends and family.

Mushroom Madness in May!

Come to a Fungi-Centric Dinner with chef and MOMS Member Joey Hafley

Where: Hamilton’s Urban Steakhouse and Bourbon Bar
2101 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis (Map)

When: May 25th, 2022, 6 PM

For reservations contact Hamilton’s Urban Steakhouse and Bourbon Bar: (314) 241-2333

Price: $149 per person – does not include tax or gratuity. Ten percent of proceeds go to Missouri Mycological Society!

Hamilton’s Urban Steakhouse and Bourbon Bar’s sous chef, VP of SEMO Mycological Society and all- around fun-guy, Joey Hafley, will be foraging the forests, doing in-house cultivating and utilizing dried species of mushrooms all May to bring you a mind-blowing culinary experience like no other. Not only will Joey be sharing his wealth of knowledge of these beloved spores, but he will be transforming up to 18 varieties into magical creations sure to surprise and delight even the most discerning of palettes.

Menu:

Amuse

Turkey Tail & Truffle Oil Crackers
Witches' Butter & Wood Ear Fruit Jam

1st Course

Wild Cultivator Gallimaufry
Pickled young chicken of the woods, dryad saddle “watermelon rind”, butter poached lion’s mane, enoki, tempeh "croutons" & huitlacoche-lime vinaigrette.

Wine Pairing: Avinyo Cava Brut 2018
Bourbon Pairing: Willet Pot Still

2nd Course

Czech Kyselo Soup with Morels & Rye
Blue potato shoestrings, cured egg yolk & pink oyster salt.

Wine Pairing: Chateau Pesquie-Terrasses Rose 2018
Scotch Pairing: Glenmorangie Lasanta

3rd Course

Miatake “Chopped Steak”
Miso greens, fontina bechamel, toasted pine nuts & oyster kimchi.

Wine Pairing: Catena Vista Flores Malbec 2018
Scotch Pairing: Balvenie Caribbean Cask

Intermezzo

Chanterelle & Sweet Amazake Infused Bourbon Tejuino
Apricot Sorbet

4th Course

12oz Koji Aged Strip Steak
Oyster mushroom fries & mushroom ketchup.

Wine Pairing: Shedhorn Zinfandel 2018
Bourbon Pairing: Four Roses Single Barrel

5th Course

Candied & Crystalized Cauliflower Mushroom
Cauliflower-mushroom caramel & cinnamon bourbon-brown sugar ice cream.

*Menu possibly subject to minor changes due to availability

MO-NAMA 2022

September 29 - October 2

This article is written by the wonderfully talented and verbal genius, Chief Operating Officer of NAMA, Bruch Reed (with a few minor changes by Maxine Stone)

Registration is up and open for our long-awaited mycogasmic MO-NAMA 2022 Annual Foray!

Missouri's rolling, fungus-filled foothills await the descent of the delighted horde of NAMAniacs this September 29 through October 2 at Trout Lodge, just outside picturesque Potosi. Our host club, Missouri Mycological Society (MOMS) is already excitedly pulling out all possible stops to show you everything their neck of this continent's woods has to offer.

A small crew from MOMS and NAMA had the pleasure of meeting up for a Trout Lodge site visit in February; that our visit fell on Valentine's Day weekend surely must testify to how deeply we love mushrooms ... and MOMS!

Trout Lodge exceeded all hopes, expectations and needs for happily ensconcing our event. Comfy, welcoming accommodations, nestled beautifully into 6,000 largely virgin acres of gently rolling hills and dales, all covered thickly in a promising mix of oaks and pines (and sassafras, and Nyssa, and sweet gum and sycamore and, and, and), even in the dead of winter our hearts sang SUCH a fungal tune! We even saw an Armadillo (new to Missouri)) walking happily in a pasture.

The resort's comfy configuration enables us to offer several lodging styles - and price points! - from which foray-goers may choose, ranging from standard hotel rooms (each with a deck overlooking the lake), to shared cabins (lake-view or forest-view), to summer camp-style communal bunkhouse, to tent camping! We are offering a commuter package for those who wish to stay offsite. Meals will be provided cafeteria-style and are quite good…something for every palate. And I noticed a prevailing kind, can-do, enthusiastic ethos among the friendly Trout Lodge staff. I predict that our attendees will feel most warmly welcomed into our temporary home.

This year's rockstar speakers' roster includes (thanks to host club MOMS) our TWO stellar chief mycologists (and familiar faces), Dr. Andy Methven and, as he likes to call himself, the "Wrong Reverend" Jay Justice! We are also delighted to have engaged MSA NAMA Scholarship recipients Mara DeMers and Rachel Swenie, as well as Cornelia Cho, lichenologist Natalie Howe, Jon Sommer, Andy Miller, Henry Beker and local mycomarvel Mike Snyder, who is also committed to lead our cultivation workshops, while the astonishing water-colorist and longtime NAMA foray fave, Denis Benjamin, is on tap to teach and inspire with his artistic ability.

Just last week, Mike did some foray-site scouting for us and offers these tantalizing observations: "There are an enormous number of trails and cool features to see on the Trout Lodge grounds. Lots of big trees and various forest types. Looks very promising for mushroom hunting! I spent most of the day onsite, but I also stopped at a few other spots on the way back home that will make excellent foray spots as well! Bruch, you'll be happy to learn that I discovered an old Civil War era cemetery right by the lake! There were some old lichenized tombstones so you may get your lichens in the cemetery foray right onsite!"

That last comment is directed at my stated desire to honor the late great Gary Lincoff's penchant for opening our eyes to the oft-overlooked fungal (and lichenic) wonders to be found in graveyards, the older the better! Here's hoping we can gain access to these hallowed grounds for some respectful citizen sciencing.

The event is still months away and will continue to be fostered to fruition by our capable team of NAMA Foray Chair Sam Landes and MOMS/NAMA Liaison Maxine Stone, along with the host of enthused folks we have assembled to knock this one out of the park. I'm already yearning to get back down to that lovely locale and dig on into the fungal riches soon to burst from the thawed ground.

CLICK HERE to register for MO-NAMA 2022!

Not yet a NAMA member? Click here to JOIN NAMA TODAY!

Lots to read here ... but I, Maxine, also want to ask for volunteers. I already have a number of volunteers but I need more. From taking a shift at registration, to helping with the socials at night to just about anything. Contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Leadership Opportunities in NAMA (North American Mycological Association) are Available!

From Trent Blizzard, NAMA President and Dave Layton, NAMA 1st Vice President and Nomination Committee Chair

NAMA is a dynamically expanding organization headed toward an exciting future! If you want to help lead NAMA as it plays a pivotal role in the burgeoning interest in fungi, here are opportunities for NAMA members to help shape our future.

Board Secretary

NAMA Nomination Committee seeks potential nominees for the position of Board Secretary for a 3-year term starting in January of 2023. The primary duties of Board Secretary are to attend NAMA Executive Board meetings either by Zoom or in person at the board meeting held during the annual foray. Registration fees for the Annual foray are waived for board members since they are required to attend. The Board Secretary takes minutes of each board meeting and emails them to the board in a timely fashion for revision. Board Secretary is a full-voting member of the Executive Board who helps to shape the direction of NAMA’s future.

Qualifications for this position include:

• Current NAMA membership
• Coherent communication and writing skills
• Ability to use Internet and computer applications such as Zoom
• Willing to take responsibility for timely presentation of minutes.

Please address interest and inquiries to Dave Layton, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., PH# 563-321-7383 (cell).

We are also seeking individuals for the following positions:

• Membership Director
  This is an executive position. The successful candidate must have good verbal and written communication skills and be comfortable learning to use the many features of Memberleap software: https://www.memberleap.com/
• New regional trustees for the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian Regions (states listed here: https://namyco.org/regional_trustees.php).
  They would be appointed until the annual meeting, when they would be officially elected if they choose to continue serving.
• Fundraising Committee Seeking both Chair and Members
  This newly formed committee is charged with helping to find new revenue sources for NAMA to pursue. There are a myriad of opportunities presenting to us in 2023 and beyond, ranging from new membership types to federal grants, to simple advertising. We are hoping to shape policies and plans to improve our finances and we need your help!
• Financial Committee Seeking both Chair and Members
  This committee is charged with helping NAMA oversee and manage its financial resources and decision making. There are several very important money problems (or opportunities) that need immediate attention. With issues ranging from our endowment investment process to our non-profit status, this committee really needs individuals with a finance background or financial savvy. Please join, we really need your help to be good stewards of our monetary resources.

Please address interest and inquiries to Trent by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., PH# 970-379-6754 (cell).