Microsoft word - brochure_08-13.doc

Without fungi, life as we know it would be www.lamushrooms.org
Mushrooms? In Los Angeles? Many people
are surprised to learn that mushrooms can be
common, even abundant, in the natural
environments around Los Angeles for almost
half the year (December--May). However, the
rain that falls during our mild winter and spring
months allows mushrooms to grow over a
lengthy season. In fact, more than 400 species
of mushrooms and other fungi have been
recorded from Southern California. We have a
longer mushroom season than many areas of
the US which receive more rainfall, but which
have a more extreme climate. In some years,
it is even possible to collect mushrooms during The Los Angeles Mycological Society
the summer, in the mountains inland from Los (LAMS) is a non-profit* organization founded in 1971 devoted to the study and enjoyment of wild Edible? Or Poisonous? Many prized edible
and cultivated mushrooms and other fungi. wild mushrooms occur in Southern California including the morel (Morchella species), What is Mycology? Mycology (MY-kahl-Ah-gee) is
chanterelle (Cantharellus californicus), oyster the science that deals with fungi. Fungi are neither Destroying Angel (Amanita ocreata)
mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and king animal nor plant, but a unique group of organisms bolete or porcini (Boletus edulis). sometimes called “The Fifth Kingdom.” There are tens of thousands of known species of fungi and delicious food, there are poisonous, even probably even more that remain unknown to deadly mushrooms in the fields and forests of
science. Fungi are worldwide in distribution and range in size from single-celled yeasts to huge underground webs of tissue bigger than the root ALL folk methods for identifying poisonous
systems of the largest trees. Those fungi we call mushrooms are unreliable, and therefore
mushrooms are simply one branch of a huge and dangerous!
Although there are many excellent field guides Fungi play varied roles in the environment. Some to wild mushrooms, there is no substitute for cause disease in plants and animals, while others hands-on identification skills that are learned aid the growth of plants and provide humans with from experienced mushroom hunters. Joining life-saving antibiotics. Fungi are the principal a mycological society is the surest way to learn recyclers of nutrients from dead plants and animals how to safely identify and use mushrooms! * LAMS is an IRS recognized 501c(3) non-profit tax- exempt organization and memberships may be tax- Black morel (Morchella elata)
deductible for certain professionals. Please consult APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Who belongs to LAMS? People from many
Specific information on meeting dates and walks of life and levels of education. Although speakers will be published in The Spore Print and MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
www.lamushrooms.org prior to each meeting.
Individual/Family at one address: $25.00 per year Free parking for meetings is available in the membership ensures that there is probably Museum Staff lot on Bill Robertson Lane off Student (must include copy of current school I.D.): $15.00 per year someone in LAMS who shares your interests Exposition Blvd. and entry to the Museum is through the Staff entrance just south of the Robertson Lane lot. More detailed directions are
Why join LAMS? To learn about mushrooms
available at the LAMS web site by clicking on the and other fungi in a supportive atmosphere. “Directions” link. Guests are always welcome at
Anyone from novice to expert can gain from LAMS events.
exchanging knowledge and experience with Exclusive Member Benefits
ACTIVITIES: The principal interest of most
NEWSLETTER: The Spore Print, now in its 42nd
LAMS members is finding, identifying, and year of publication, is recognized as one of the finest mycological society newsletters. It is sent schedules field trips called “forays” to hunt for electronically to members prior to meetings and contains information on LAMS meetings and forays, as well as events sponsored by other Our monthly meetings from October through June provide an opportunity to learn mushroom ELECTRONIC MAIL UPDATES: Members with
bring to meetings) and to view presentations by electronic mail can receive notification of LAMS guest speakers. Speakers have included such events by email. This service is available only to well-known mycologists as Orson Miller, Gary Please complete and mail with check or money Lincoff, Nancy Smith Weber, David Arora, order payable to “LAMS” to:
DISCUSSION FORUM: Members may join an
online forum where mushroom hunting tips, news MUSHROOM FAIR: LAMS sponsors a
and photos of recent mushroom finds are shared. Mushroom Fair & Display in February at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic PRIORITY REGISTRATION FOR FORAYS
*LAMS does not sell, rent or trade its mailing list. Members have an opportunity to register for forays before registration is open to the public. Receipt for Membership
MEETINGS: LAMS meetings are held at the
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park. Unless otherwise announced, meetings will be at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month from October through May. An annual meeting for members

Source: http://www.lamushrooms.org/LAMS_BROCHURE_08-13.pdf