Field Trips

The mushroom field season is relatively short – prime months are October through December depending on when the rains begin and when the cold sets in. We begin our trips in September along the coast where fog and drizzle cause some fungi to fruit early. October is a good time to look for fungi at higher elevations before it becomes too cold. November is good for fungi in Spruce forests along the coast and tan oak/madrone habitat inland. December is a continuation of November’s habitats with the addition of the fungal flora of the dunes. Things begin to slow down by January although a winter flora will still be fruiting. In May there are morels and other snowbank fungi at the higher elevations, and we may have an overnight field trip at this time.

Field trip dates and times are publicized in our member newsletter. Field trips are for members only and all must have signed liability waivers. Destinations for these trips will be based upon where fungi are most likely to be found at that time.

All our field trips have an educational focus. Trips other than the regular ones may have a special focus such as photography and others may be to sites (State and National Parks) where no picking is allowed and the focus is entirely educational.

Participants on our field trips should be appropriately attired (the mushroom season is rainy and can be cold), wear shoes for hiking, and bring water and food if it is an all day trip.