From school gymnasiums and science fairs to museum halls and the State Fair’s Horticulture Building, the Education Committee brings the fascinating world of fungi to people of all ages—one curious mind at a time.
The committee’s work touches nearly every part of the Minnesota Mycological Society. Whether we’re helping someone identify their first mushroom, teaching members how to collect samples for DNA sequencing, or leading a hands-on cultivation workshop, we connect people through shared learning.
What We Do
The Education Committee creates opportunities for members and the public to explore the science and joy of mycology. We organize events, offer workshops, and share our knowledge wherever people gather to learn, including:
Community Events
We regularly host educational tables and displays at events like:
- DaVinci Fest
- Forest Fair
- Bell Museum events
- Patagonia store pop-ups
- The Great Minnesota Get-Together (State Fair) — where we host our signature mushroom display in the Horticulture Building and present speakers on the Dirt Stage
Member Education
We help members deepen their skills through:
- Mushroom ID meetings and Classes
- Support for the Foray Committee and member forays
- Instruction on collection methods with the Funga Scientific Committee
- The MMS Passport Program
Workshops and Presentations
We plan and deliver educational programming for MMS events and partner organizations, schools, and community groups. We also work with the Webmaster to share recorded sessions when available.
Committee Responsibilities
Together, we:
- Design and deliver educational programs and materials
- Collaborate with other MMS committees to bring education to events
- Serve as a resource for members on identification, cultivation, and foraging
- Meet at least twice a year, or more often as needed
- Report progress to the MMS Board and help guide future educational direction
- Work within an annual budget set by the Board
Interested in joining the Education Committee?
Whether you’re an educator, a curious hobbyist, or a longtime member looking to give back, we’d love your involvement.
Contact the Education Committee Chair to learn more.
Photo by Tommes Frites via Pexels, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0