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Walks

Weekly ID Meetings

On Monday nights after Club mushroom walks, we convene at Harvard's Farlow Herbarium to study specimens collected the day before and any that members bring in that night. We use the Club's library and microscopes to identify species that stump us.

Fall Classes

At the height of the collecting season, we offer several classes in mushroom identification at Harvard's Farlow Herbarium. Each class is devoted to a single category of mushroom, for example, brown-spored gilled mushrooms, light-spored gilled mushrooms, boletes, and poisonous species. Presented by Club members, these classes are illustrated with photos and specimens. The easy interaction between the presenter and the class participants encourages student questions. Last year's curriculum

Winter Program

From November through April, we gather monthly for talks and workshops on various aspects of mycology. Speakers, for example, have been professional mycologists, librarians, and forest managers. Their topics have included the Amanita species; unsung mycologist Beatrice Potter; and the ecological management of state forests. Workshops have focused on microscopy, cooking, and photography. Once in a while we screen a mushroom film, complete with the popcorn. Last year's winter offerings

Library

Members may use the comprehensive reference library in the Club room. These books target both amateur and professional mycologists.

Publications

The Club publishes four bulletins annually. Every Bulletin summarizes mycology news in the media and publishes members' ruminations on diverse mycological topics. You'll also find book reviews; historical and scientific essays; and personal mushrooming accounts, all contributed by Club members.

Social and Culinary Activities

We kickoff the mushroom season with a grand potluck in the spring. The variety and quality of member's contributions are mouthwatering. Soups! Casseroles! Quiches! Salads! Chinese! Hungarian! Middle Eastern! - all made with mushrooms.

In the late fall, we hold a banquet featuring wild mushroom dishes prepared by a professional chef at a well-regarded restaurant. A mycologist often gives a presentation at the banquet.

At the December holiday bazaar you can buy 'shroom-themed gifts for your fellow mycology enthusiasts.