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WEST MICHIGAN MYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

Vol. 15, September 2002, No. 5

FORAY AT TIMBERLAKE RESORT

4369 N. Ridge Rd. Saturday, September 14, 1:30 - 5.oo pm

Last year's foray here took place in an astounding downpour that would not quit. We all got wet. We all also got a serious mess of mushrooms, as the 'stumpies' were out in force along with a lot of other species. With the recent rains we may get lucky again, as stumpies are starting to fruit now. Parasols and brick caps and blewits are also sometimes found there.

The Resort is under new ownership, but the management is the same and we're still welcome. They have put up fliers inviting their guests to come learn about mushrooms with us. And eat, too, I think. This foray is a potluck, so bring a dish to share, table service and the beverage of your choice. Bring a compass and whistle along with your usual collecting basket and gear - the terrain is a bit hilly and it's easy to get turned around.

The Resort is on Lake Michigan south of Pentwater and has hundreds of acres to hunt on. We will meet at the pavillion - up past the playground in the campground on the east side of the road - ask directions at the gatehouse if you haven't been here before.

Directions:

Take US 31 Towards Hart and get off at the Mears/Hart Exit - This is Polk Rd. Turn right (north) at 56th Ave. and then left at the next road (Deer Rd.). Take Deer Rd west toward Lake Michigan. After about 2.5 miles it will veer to the right (north) and become/join Ridge Ave (B15). Follow Ridge Ave north about 3 miles to the Resort. The entrance to the campground is on the right (east) side of the road.

MIDSUMMER FORAY REPORT

Saturday, August 17th, 1:00pm Howard Christensen Nature Center

Although the weather was threatening rain, the day turned out just fine and the few members who attended had a great time. This is a beautiful place to mushroom - a large variety of habitats and miles of well-marked trails. It had been wetter down there than around Ludington, so the woods were full of fungi. Over 30 species were identified. Among the finds were Strobilomyces floccosus (old man of the woods); Boletus ornatipes, pallidus, and chrysenteron; grisettes; red chanterelles; Gyroporus cyanescens (blueing bolete) and castaneus (chestnut bolete); Amanitas; Russulas; Lactariiii; many others.

We were shown around by a staff member who was quite interested in learning, then we went back to the center to identify and tabulate. This last was made easier by Ralph Rucinski, who brought copies of a checklist used by the Illinois club. It lists a large amount of likely species which can be checked off as they're identified and the lists can then be stored for future reference to what had been found at a particular foray. We got the use of the facility at half price in exchange for providing a list of mushrooms found on their grounds.

The Center building has many displays of preserved insects and mammals and plenty of table space to sort our specimens out - it is administered by the Kent school system and used by students all around the county. The microscope we used to look at slides of spores had two separate eyepieces and could be used by two people at the same time. They were happy to have us and we'll very likely go down there next year.

VISITORS WELCOME

Vice-president Milda Martz is currently residing at Baywood/Tendercare whilst recovering from a broken leg. She'll be there another 4 or 5 weeks and hopes to be out in time to make it to the Banquet. Says the food is bad, but the therapists are good and she's in good spirits, considering. Visiting hours are "anytime" according to an unnamed staff-person - you could call Milda to be sure she's not out at soccer practice before stopping in - number is 231-845-1809. Let's all wish her a speedy recovery!

FORAY SCHEDULE

Timberlake Resort Potluck, Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1:30pm.

Fall Foray - Saturday, October 5 at Lake Michigan Recreation Area, sack lunch, grill, camping possible.

Recognition Banquet - Saturday, Oct. 26, Ludington Senior Center, potluck.

SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH!

I'm feeling stretched pretty thin being President; Chief Identifier; Foray Leader; Newsletter Editor, Writer and Publisher; and Club Webmaster. I also have taken over selling T-shirts and books. With three kids in school and an often more than full-time job, I can't do justice to all my WMMS duties. Next year I will not be President and someone else will have to take over the Newsletter. I enjoy scouting and identifying and will happily continue doing that. And I plan to do a lot more work on the Website. Anyone interested in taking a more active role in our club should contact me ASAP at the addresses at the end of this newsletter.

Steve

RECIPE CORNER

Parasols and eggs

Remove stems from parasols, wipe dirt from tops with a damp cloth. Cut into 1" wide pie sections and saute over medium heat in butter in a large skillet until they start to brown. Beat together a mess of eggs, adding water or milk, salt and pepper to taste and a tsp or so of chopped fresh dill. 1/2 cup jack cheese is optional. Add mixture to mushrooms and scramble. Serve with hash browns and a 1984 Chateau Lafoote Chardonnay.

If you can contribute to the next newsletter, send your material to:

Steve Oliver 115 N. Emily St. Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: (231) 845-8055 Fax: (231) 845-1465 Email: sroyo@dancingmac.com