NOTE ON FORAYS
At most forays we will split up into smaller groups led by group leaders. Try to stay within sight of the group leader when out in the woods, or be sure to let him/her know where you're going if you are familiar with the area. This will make it easier to keep from losing anyone.
Things to bring: A loud whistle and a compass for signals and navigation. A good sized knife, a basket and paper lunch bags or wax paper bags for collecting (do NOT use plastic bags... the fungi decompose rapidly in them). A walking stick is handy for poking at likely looking "mushrumps" and a small notepad is useful to record what the fungus was growing on and what trees it was near. Wear sturdy clothing, hiking boots and be prepared for rain. And don't forget your favorite field guides!
When collecting, be careful to use paper bags or waxed paper to separate edible mushrooms from unknown and poisonous ones. Avoid filling the basket with every fungus you see and then dumping them out for the "experts" to identify. Beginners should concentrate on a few new species each foray and try to identify them at least to genus themselves if possible... the knowledge gained this way is yours to keep! It's always much nicer to hear " I think this is a Lactarius bodaciosus because of its garish maroon latex and impudent cap" than to hear "Can I eat this one?" When gathering a new species, try to collect specimens in all stages of development and be sure to dig out the base of the stem to check for remains of a universal veil or for rhizomorphs (root-like structures). Clues to spore color can often be found on the upper stalk, or on the caps of other mushrooms if they fruit in clumps and overlap.
Many forays are potlucks. For others we bring a sack lunch. This is announced in the newsletter prior to the events and also may be found on the Foray Schedule. After returning from the field, we have an identification table set up. Specimens are labeled and discussed during an educational session, then we eat.