The Pacific Northwest NAMA Foray

By Ross Hauberg

This past October, I had an unforgettable experience at the North American Mycological Association’s National Foray, made possible by being awarded the Marek Turowski Memorial Scholarship. Not only was this my first NAMA foray, but it was also my first trip to the Pacific Northwest, making the entire experience extra special. 

The mornings and afternoons were packed with captivating workshops and forays to mushroom-rich spots like campgrounds, trails, and forest roads in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The scent of damp western redcedar hung in the air as we moved slowly between the towering trees, pausing often to marvel at the mushrooms poking up through the moss. Highlights included finding white chanterelles, learning about truffles with Rye, the truffle dog, and discovering an array of common yet new-to-me PNW species, like Cat’s Tongue and the Questionable Stropharia. I even found some coveted Matsutake #1 buttons to take home! Surrounded by such an abundance and diversity of mushrooms, the time for each foray flew by – but returning to camp and slipping into dry clothes was a welcome comfort after the day’s adventures. 

The evenings were equally enriching. Over dinner, I enjoyed catching up with new friends, swapping stories about the day’s discoveries, and bonding over our shared passions. Later, keynote speakers gave fascinating talks on topics like fungal bio-regions and exotic mushrooms from around the world. 

Each night featured a mushroom-themed social event: a Halloween costume party, a culinary mushroom-tasting night, and a mushroom-inspired happy hour, often followed by a bonfire. Conversations flowed effortlessly among this diverse yet like-minded group, all brought together by a shared love of fungi and the outdoors. Hearing about people’s unique backgrounds and niche interests was both inspiring and eye-opening, reinforcing that there’s no “right” way to appreciate fungi. I met enthusiasts captivated by entomopathogenic fungi, admirers of tiny ascomycetes, and determined foragers who had packed dehydrators and extra suitcases, ready for the mushroom hauls of a lifetime. 

Being part of this eclectic mix of mycological passions was a true privilege and made me realize just how limited my perception of fungi had been. The connections I made during this short weekend will likely become lasting friendships and have already opened doors to exciting new opportunities.

I left NAMA Camp feeling inspired, recharged, and excited to continue exploring the world of fungi. Thanks to MMS and the Marek Turowski scholarship, I was a part of something that felt not just like a foray but a celebration of community, discovery, and fungi. I’m already looking forward to next year!