During the rainy season FFSC offers guided local mushroom forays, the best way to safely learn about finding wild fungi.
We concentrate on finding, enjoying and learning a bit about some of our local mushrooms. We meet at a forested area in Santa Cruz County or the Monterey Bay area, talk about the types of mushrooms that can grow in the area's habitat, and then begin to hunt. The foray leader(s) will do our best to help you identify your fungal finds, answer questions, and share knowledge.
Depending on the location chosen and the type of permit available, there may be some collection allowed; otherwise the goal will be education. The exact location is sent out to participants a couple of days before the foray.
Some forays also include tailgate cooking (bring your own food and beverages) and tasting of any edibles collected. Always a fun family activity!
What to wear
Layered warm clothing, sturdy footwear, and Tecnu if you get poison oak!
What to bring
Basket or bucket to hold mushrooms, a knife and perhaps a small trowel. Waxed paper or brown paper bags to hold mushrooms. A field guide if you have one (David Arora's All That The Rain Promises and More is a good choice for our area).
What to read
Before joining any foray, we ask that you read and follow FFSC's mushroom collection ethics and etiquette guidelines, to ensure that we continue to be welcome at foray locations.
Beginners are welcome
You don't need prior experience. That said, if you've never taken a mushroom ID class, we also encourage you to read FFSC's Intro to Identifying Mushrooms page.
Past Local Forays
No events at the moment
Log. Photo by Dan Tischler
Local Forays
Join local forays in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas. Learn while exploring our local woods and fields with like-minded people.
Members Only4 days to the event