The very best way to learn how to safely identify mushrooms is to see them in their natural habitat—alongside experienced mushroom hunters. That’s exactly what our Minnesota Mycological Society forays offer.
Join a Foray – Learn to Identify Mushrooms Safely
Each MMS foray is led by a team of knowledgeable volunteer staff who guide and educate participants throughout the outing. We keep our groups sized to provide a good staff-to-participant ratio, to ensure a high-quality learning experience for everyone. Learn About Foray Tips and Etiquette
Where We Forage for Mushrooms
We explore a variety of locations, including:
- Minnesota State Parks with permission from the DNR via our special use permits
- Private lands with the owner’s consent
- Local parks that allow foraging
Every site is chosen for its potential diversity of fungi and its suitability for teaching.
When We Hold Our Forays
- Spring Forays: May–June
- Summer Forays: July–August
- Fall Forays: September–October
Time Remaining Until 2026 Foray Signups Begin!
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To Sign Up for a Foray
- Be sure your MMS membership is current, since our forays are member-only events.
- Information about our foray schedule and links to sign up are emailed to members each season about 2 weeks before sign-ups open.
- You’ll also find the link at the bottom of all club emails, right below the MMS Upcoming Events section until sign-ups close for each season.
- You will receive a confirmation email for the foray that includes everything you need to know, as well as cancellation instructions.
What to Expect on an MMS Foray
Our forays typically follow this format:
- Introduction – The first 15 minutes are spent together as a group, covering safety, etiquette, and tips for finding mushrooms.
- Foraging Time – We divide into smaller groups and head into the field for about two hours, accompanied by our volunteer leaders. Along the way, they’ll point out interesting finds and share identification tips.
- Mushroom Review & Identification – We reconvene to examine and classify the mushrooms we’ve collected. Our educators will share details about each specimen—pointing out key identification features, habitat clues, and any special notes on edibility or toxicity.
By the end of a foray, you’ll not only have seen a wide range of mushrooms up close, but you’ll also have learned the steps experts take to identify them safely.