Learn more about mushrooms

One of the main purposes of PSMS is to educate our members and the Puget Sound community about the field of mycology. Our annual identification classes are taught by expert members and guest mycologists.

Beginning Mushroom Identification*:

What: PSMS Beginning Mushroom ID Course
Where: Center For Urban Horticulture, Douglas Classroom
When: Thursday Evenings, 7:00PM - 9:00PM:
3/20–4/10 (first session), 4/17–5/8 (second session)
Cost: $35, cash or check payable to PSMS (bring on first day of class)
Book: Mushrooms Demystified, by David Arora
Bring: Fresh mushroom specimens
Contact: education@psms.org (for questions, or to register)

PSMS will offer a beginning mushroom identification class this fall on four consecutive Thursdays, beginning on March 20th. Classes will be held at the Center for Urban Horticulture, in the Douglas classroom, from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.

The sessions will be (subject to possible rearranging) as follows::
March 20/April 17 - "Introduction to Mushroom ID"
March 27/April 24- "Identifying Mushrooms with Dichotomous Keys"
April 3/May 1- "Cooking and Collecting"
April 10/May 8- "Mushroom Toxins"

The recommended text is "Mushrooms Demystified", by David Arora. There are several copies available for classroom use from the PSMS library, and the book will be available for sale on the first day of class.

Class cost is $35 for four sessions. For questions, or to register please send email to education@psms.org with your name(s). If you don't have access to email, you may call 206-354-7789, but email is preferred.

Registration is available for PSMS members only; please print off the membership form and send it in if your membership is not current. Please confirm your registration, as classes often fill up.

Please bring specimens of fresh mushrooms to class. Collect the whole fungus, including any root or cup at the base of the stalk. Specimens are best preserved by wrapping in foil or wax paper and putting them in the fridge, where they will last from several days up to a week, depending on the species. You should make a spore print, if you know how. (If you don't, that's OK. We will learn how on the first day of class.) It is also useful to take a few notes about where the mushroom was collected, and from what sort of habitat (whether on wood or what type of wood, and what type of trees it grows under).

Intermediate Mushroom Identification*:

In these workshop sessions, we will practice identifying mushrooms with dichotomous keys, either from Mushrooms Demystified or from keys by the Pacific Northwest Key Council (http://www.svims.ca/council/keys.htm). At the end of each evening, we will share information we've learned and learn some tips about how to recognize the spring genera.

This workshop is a great opportunity for anyone who has taken the beginning or intermediate ID classes, and wishes to practice their ID skills and pick up a little more knowledge.

Currently not offered.

Beginner's Microscopy*:

Successful completion of this class entitles society members to sign out a PSMS microscope for their own use for periods of one or two months at a time, depending on demand.

Currently not offered.

* Only Society members may register for these classes.

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