Mushrooms fascinate us!

They're ubiquitous and mysterious, delicious and sometimes deadly. They're among the oldest living things on earth. Excited to learn more? You might be a fungiphile!

Learn About Fungi

Explore the world of fungi!

Join us as we hunt mushrooms for scientific interest and for the table. Learn to create art with fungi. Spend time outdoors and share your fungi finds with friends!

Upcoming Events

Keep the "fun" in fungus!

Our mission is to foster and expand the understanding and appreciation of mycology among our members and the general public. And to always keep the “fun” in fungus!

Why Join FFSC

Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz

"An eating and drinking club with a mushroom problem" -- Henry Young

SAVE THE DATES!
January 9-11, 2026
Santa Cruz, CA

Upcoming FFSC Events

November 1, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Local Fungus Foray-Nov 1, 2025

Get out in the woods!

November 8, 2025, 6:00 – 10:00 PM

2025 Fall Mushroom Dinner

The Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz invites you to join us for our much-loved Fall Dinner on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This year’s gathering will celebrate the flavors of the Mediterranean, a cuisine rich in fresh vegetables, grains, herbs, and of course—mushrooms!

November 18, 2025, 6:30 – 9:00 PM

November Speaker | Morgan Yacullo : Secret Lives of the Log Inhabitants

Prepare to be amazed.

Explore All Events

Recent News & Stories

7/20/25, 11:34 PM

Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Logo Design Contest

Submissions for this contest are closed. Artists who submitted entries have been notified of the results offline.

11/1/24, 7:00 AM

2025 Fungus Fair Speakers

We're pleased to announce the schedule for our expert speakers at the 2025 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair!

Talks by popular speakers often sell out or fill up quickly! If sessions interest you, we suggest you carefully study the schedule of talks and demonstrations when they become available (usually around November), so that you can plan which days you'd like to attend.

10/13/23, 2:04 AM

Time Lapsed Laetiporous

Time lapse of chicken-of-the-woods growing over 11 days

8/3/23, 7:00 AM

Phil Carpenter receives Knighton Award at Appalachia NAMA 2023

Phil Carpenter, FFSC Science Advisor, has been awarded the 2023 Harry and Elsie Knighton Service Award by the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) !

Join Our Indoor and Outdoor Activities

We get together from September through May to learn and share knowledge about mushrooms, while having fun!

Monthly talks from mycologists and enthusiasts that inspire and educate. Peruse mushrooms that people bring in, and enjoy refreshments. FREE and open to the public.

Monthly Speakers

From tailgate tastings and potlucks to chef dinners, our foodie fun events are scattered throughout the year.

Potlucks & Chef Dinners

Join local forays in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas. Learn while exploring our local woods and fields with like-minded people.

Local Forays

Long-distance forays are overnight (or longer) trips farther afield. They carry the allure of new fungal finds, amazing culinary pleasures, and collaborative education adventure.

Long-Distance Forays

Gain more knowledge and hands-on experience with mushroom ID and mycology. (Some classes are for FFSC members only.)

ID Classes & Workshops

Explore hundreds of wild species, both deadly and delicious. Create mushroom crafts--fun for all ages! Visit vendors and sample delicious mushroomy treats.

Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

Join our club for only $25 per household!

Why Join FFSC?

Online Resources

The safest way to learn about mushrooms is to hunt and identify mushrooms with knowledgable people in person. In addition, here are some field guildes, recipes, and other resources that can help you build your knowlede. Stay safe, and have fun learning!

Featured Fungi

Get background intel on mushrooms you may encounter in your wanderings.

Myco Art

Mushroom photography, and making art with or inspired by mushrooms.

Mushroom dyed silk at the 44th Fungus Fair. Photo by Hugh Smith (cropped)

Field Reports

Foray stories and species we found. (Available to FFSC members only.)

Mushroom Recipes

Recipes with mushrooms, and complementary dishes. Try them at home or for an FFSC potluck!

Mushroom Bisque in a Teacup. Photo by John Spaur

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities for students, non-profits, and FFSC members studying fungi.

"Now that's a hedgehog". Credit: Unknown

Online Learning

Advice and self-challenges to build your skills.

"Fuchsi" (Hygrocybe coccinea). Photo by Joshua Becker

What We're Reading

Browse our selection of books and articles on mycology.

Follow @scfungusfed on Instagram

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