Frequently asked questions

 

What does membership entail and how do I become a member?

  • Membership to the NS Mycological Society currently entails being added to out email list to receive our twice-yearly newsletter and (infrequent) email updates about events.

  • There is no cost.

  • To be added to the email list, send us a request via email or message us using the template on the ‘Contact Us’ page.

  • No changes to our membership structure are planned for 2023.

How do I get a mushroom identified?

There are two good ways to go about getting a mushroom ID:

  1. Post your picture(s) to the NS Mycological Society Facebook Group requesting an ID. Our Facebook group is very active and has many knowledgeable members. This is the faster method!

  2. Send your pictures to the NSMS email that can be found on our ‘Contact Us’ page. It may take a few days up to a few weeks to obtain an ID using this avenue as your pictures make their way to our expects, depending on who is available and when they check their emails!

Remember:

  • The best way to get a positive mushroom ID is in person, with good quality specimens.

  • For the best chance of an accurate ID from photos, include:

    • high quality photos of specimens in prime condition, showing different parts of the anatomy (cap, stalk down to the base, underside, cross-section, spore print), ideally of multiple specimens of different maturities,

    • info about the substrate the specimen was growing on and nearby trees.

  • Take any ID suggested to you online with a grain of salt, especially if you are unsure of the experience and expertise of the person giving the ID. Even experts sometimes get it wrong, and numerous species of mushroom are extremely difficult or even impossible to identify with 100% confidence without certain specific information, or even DNA analysis in some cases.

Are there any upcoming outings?

  • We are planning our 2023 fall foray for October, which will overlap with the 2023 Fall Continental Mycoblitz (Fall Continental MycoBlitz 2023 · iNaturalist)

  • Check the ‘Outings & Events > Other Groups’ page to discover other local groups that host events with fungal components, and the ‘Outings & Events > Calendar’ page to view events hosted by both the NS Mycological Society and other groups.

Where can I find info about a mushroom ID workshop or course?

  • Our main fall foray often includes some brief lectures about various topics in mushroom foraging and husbandry, guided foraging, and a group identification session of finds.

  • The NS Mycological Society does not otherwise independently host mushroom identification workshops or courses, but we do regularly contribute to events hosted by other organizations.

  • There are other organizations and individuals that may offer events, courses, or tours that are of interest, which are listed below. These are not affiliated with the NS Mycological Society. Check the ‘Outings & Events > Other Groups’, ‘Outings & Events > Calendar’ and ‘Resources > Online Courses & Guides’ pages for more info.