To meet the needs of our members and fulfill our commitment to community outreach, we depend on specialized committees that can focus on specific projects throughout the year. Just as our board members volunteer their time to the MMS, committee members accomplish their work by volunteering. If one interests you, consider joining their efforts. You will surely have something valuable to offer and will enjoy the experience.
Foray Committee
The MMS Foray Committee plans forays on behalf of our members while ensuring respectful treatment of local ecosystems. We schedule forays and apply for permits when they take place on State Park land. We will create a welcoming, inclusive, educational environment for people of all backgrounds to deepen their mycological knowledge.
Events Committee
This committee of volunteer MMS members collaborates to plan and coordinate events that benefit our members and the community. These events include (but are not limited to) things like the annual MMS Awards Banquet, the Annual MMS Photo Contest, the Silent Auction & Raffle Fundraiser, and our Adopt-a-Highway.
Meetings & Speakers
Our monthly member meetings feature expert speakers, interesting seminars, and workshops, both in Zoom format and in-person. The Meetings and Speakers Committee collaborates with other committees to establish the annual speaker schedule and identify suitable in-person venues as needed.
Scholarship Committee
The MMS provides scholarships, including academic scholarships, to graduate students studying fungi. We also provide an annual Marek Scholarship to a member who has never attended a NAMA foray to help cover their foray fees and lodging expenses. The Scholarships Committee oversees the decision-making process for selecting the scholarship recipient and coordinates payments.
Education Committee
The Education Committee plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission to educate the community about fungi and their significance in our lives. Some of the things we do include tabling at events such as The State Fair, DaVinci Fest, the Bell Museum, and even stores like Patagonia. At these events, we bring dried and fresh fungi. We speak with people and answer their questions about the mushrooms they have wondered about, as well as the ones we have on display.
CommIT Committee
The Communications and IT committee (CommIT) works to maintain, update, and develop website content, and periodically redesigns our website. Committee members create and schedule email communications to members and create and manage email distribution groups. The committee also provides technical support and assistance for our Facebook page and electronic devices or software that the organization uses to support its work.
Funga Scientific Committee
The Funga Scientific Committee is crucial to the scientific advancement of Mycology in Minnesota. They work hand in hand with the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum on the Fungal Diversity Survey. They have monthly meetings to educate members on scientific identification. Then, to ensure accuracy, they utilize specimen vouchering and DNA testing of the specimens.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee advises on policy to ensure the MMS Board acts in accordance with the Articles and Bylaws. This committee oversees candidate vetting and the election of the board.
Finance & Membership
This committee is composed of the Treasurer, a Membership Coordinator, and a Chairperson, who can be any of these individuals, to manage the MMS’s budget, file annual tax forms, and track its membership.
Are You Interested In One of These Great MMS Committees?
Contact the committee chairperson, who can provide more information about the committee’s activities and how you can participate.