Explore the fascinating world of fungi! The MMS Mushroom Passport Program is designed to help you improve your mushroom identification skills and prepare for presenting at MMS events. This program is available to all MMS members and complements our regular certification and beginner classes.
Program Goals
- Enhance mushroom identification skills.
- Encourage MMS members to become effective presenters and communicators at MMS events and forays.
- Create fun, informal opportunities for all ages to learn and grow in mushroom identification.
The MMS encourages our members to go on an adventure and explore the world of fungi. We encourage you to venture into the woods and your backyards to discover the mushrooms that live and grow around you. This will include learning about these mushrooms online, in guidebooks, at MMS meetings, and on forays.
You can choose the mushrooms that you want to explore. There is no list of required fungi for your passport. You decide the species you will learn about and identify and the order in which you do so.
How to Complete an Identification
In-Person at Forays and Events
Bring your passport sheet along with a mushroom sample or some high-quality photos. Then, a qualified MMS authenticator will verify your observations and may ask questions to help you improve your identification skills.
Virtual Authentication
This virtual option allows you to connect via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another online platform so an Authenticator can verify your work remotely. This is perfect for exercising your identification skills over the winter months!
The Authenticator May
- Approve the identification and sign.
- Request additional information before signing.
- Decline to sign and advise on further steps to strengthen identification skills
- Note: There are no same-day retries.
Example of a Passport Page
How It Works, In a Nutshell
Achievements
Chanterelle (Cantharellus) – 12 identifications
Morel (Morchella) – 24 identifications
Indigo Milky (Lactarius indigo) – 48 identifications
Amanita Jacksonii – 72 identifications
Every Level has awards that you can only get as a Passport participant.
Presentation Opportunities
You’ve worked hard to learn the mushrooms you identify, so why not share the knowledge you’ve gained? We encourage presenting your findings at an informal identification meeting once per achievement level. This also offers additional recognition. These presentations can also be part of special “Passport Events.”
Your progress and achievements may also be featured in The Toadstool Review!
Prizes and Recognition
Each achievement level is celebrated with awards:
Chanterelle Level: An exclusive MMS sticker.
Morel Level: An exclusive luggage tag–not just for luggage anymore!
Indigo Milky: An exclusive water bottle!
Amanita Jacksonii: An exclusive T-shirt or fleece.
Note: Members are encouraged to track and keep their completed passport sheets safe, as lost sheets cannot be replaced.
Passport FAQs
What is the Mushroom Passport Program, and how does it work?
The Mushroom Passport Program is an initiative by MMS that encourages members to develop mushroom identification skills. Participants log identified mushrooms to reach specific levels: 12 (Chanterelle/Cantharellus), 24 (Morel/Morchella), 48 (Indigo Milky/Lactarius indigo), and 72 (Amanita Jacksonii). Each level unlocks rewards, such as a button at the Chanterelle level and MMS swag at higher levels. Passport authentication may be available at forays, pending program testing. You may pursue identification and authentication (signatures) at your own pace. Watch for announcements about authentication events. There are no appeals if your identification is rejected during an authentication; however, you can try again another day.
What are the requirements for authenticating a mushroom in the Passport Program?
To authenticate a mushroom, participants must work with MMS-trained authenticators focused on accurate identification and observational skills. Authenticators ensure specimens meet identification standards. You may identify any mushroom that you want. You should typically have high-quality photos of the mushroom, ideally including the top, bottom, sides, and other essential views of that specific mushroom. Learn to identify mushrooms that interest you. A photo is not required in every instance, but it helps with authentication. You should have the actual mushroom or a good photo during your meeting with the authenticator. Use good sense and determine what the image might show that might be overlooked in your description. In some instances, a drawing or sketch may be more effective. The authenticators will verify that your identification is accurate, thorough, and unlikely to be confused with similar and toxic mushrooms. Some mushrooms, like the Giant Puffball, are simple. Others are more problematic (Like all those amanitas). With some mushrooms, the authenticators will only look for the genus (the first word of the scientific name). Other mushroom descriptions will need to be very detailed. Authentication availability is being tested at Forays, with final program design decisions expected starting in 2025.
Are there presentation requirements to earn rewards?
Presentations are not required for each identification; one presentation is required for each achievement level.
When does the Mushroom Passport Program start, and where can I get resources?
The program is scheduled to start in 2025, and MMS will provide downloadable, empty passport pages and example logs on the program’s webpage. Keep an eye out for updates and further instructions, which will be announced on the MMS website.
Are You Ready to Fill Your Passport?
Let the coordinator know by emailing passport@minnesotamushrooms.org
Download your passport form now!
1-800-222-1222
1-888-426-4435
