Welcome to the Minnesota Mycological Society (MMS) forays! These events are a great way to explore nature, learn about fungi, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Please review the following foray tips and etiquette guidelines to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and productive experience.
Before the Foray
What to Bring
Clothing: Wear sturdy, weather-appropriate clothing. Long pants and long sleeves are recommended to protect against insects and underbrush. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots are essential.
Tools:
- A small knife or scissors are needed to harvest mushrooms.
- A whistle for safety in case you get separated from the group.
- You can use a basket or paper bags for collecting mushrooms (avoid plastic bags, as they can make mushrooms deteriorate quickly).
- A notebook or smartphone for taking notes and photos.
Essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A compass or GPS can be helpful if the foray covers a large area.
Identification Guides: Consider bringing a mushroom field guide or app to help with preliminary identifications.
Optional: A loop is an optional tool that can be helpful when you want to look at the fine details of a mushroom in the field.
Know the Rules
- Review any site-specific guidelines shared by the foray leader. Some areas may have restrictions on mushroom collection.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact.
During the Foray
Respect the Environment
- Walk carefully to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.
- Harvest mushrooms responsibly, taking only what you need and leaving behind those that are not fully identified or unnecessary.
- Do not disturb plants, animals, or non-target fungi.
Stay Safe
- Stay with the group or within the designated area.
- Use your whistle if you become separated or need assistance.
- Be mindful of your footing, as forest floors can be uneven and slippery.
Identification
- Work with experts and fellow participants to identify your finds. If you’re unsure, do not consume any mushrooms.
- Take clear photos of your finds, including the top, underside, and stem. Note habitat details such as the type of trees nearby, soil conditions, and other features.
Mushroom Collection Protocol
- Use your knife or scissors to harvest mushrooms cleanly. Avoid pulling them out by the roots, as this can damage the mycelium.
- If you’re uncertain about identification, collect a variety of specimens, but do not mix species in a single bag or basket.
- Label your finds if possible, noting the location and habitat where they were found.
- Handle mushrooms gently to preserve their condition for identification.
Respect Fellow Foragers
- Share the space respectfully, giving others room to explore and collect.
- Communicate openly, but avoid interrupting others’ observations or activities.
After the Foray
Storage and Use
- Store edible mushrooms in paper bags in a cool place until use. If you plan to cook them, clean them thoroughly and prepare them properly.
- If you decide not to use your collected mushrooms, consider sharing them with others who can benefit from them.
Feedback and Community
- Share your experience with MMS organizers to help improve future forays.
- Connect with fellow foragers through MMS meetings and events to continue learning and building community.
We hope you enjoy your foray and discover our region’s incredible diversity of fungi! By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll help ensure a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Happy foraging!
Join the Foray Team!
You don’t need to be a mushroom expert to lead or co-lead a foray-but you just might become an expert by doing it! Forays are the best way to learn more about mushrooms and how to identify them. Foray team volunteers get extra opportunities to attend forays and learn from our experts. It’s also a lot of fun! Just use our contact form to get in touch with our Foray Committee Chair and learn how you can get started.