The New Mexico Mycological Society (NMMS), a non-profit organization, came together in 1984 when a small group of fungophiles met to share information about mushroom species which could be found in this area. Since then, besides the regular monthly meetings, we have held annual forays, built the herbarium of dried specimens at the University of New Mexico, exhibited at the New Mexico State Fair, and compiled lists of mushrooms found in New Mexico. During the fruiting season interested groups carpool weekly on field trips around the state.
Purpose
The purpose of NMMS is to advance the understanding and stimulate the interest of the members in the field of mycology by
Meetings
Beginning in 2007, Society meetings are planned to alternate months between
Albuquerue and Santa Fe. Albuquerque meetings be on the first Monday of the
month, 7:00 PM, at the New Mexico Museum
of Natural History. Each regular meeting features a program which aims
to enhance members' knowledge and appreciation of the world of fungi. Any
interested persons are welcome to attend. (The museum is located at 1801
Mountain Road NW, Abq.)
Click here for details of
upcoming meeting.
Membership
The annual fee for NMMS regular membership is currently $20. The membership fee also covers one's spouse or partner and any children under the age of 18. NMMS also offers a Student Membership ($15/year) for full-time New Mexico students.
NMMS is affiliated with the North American Mycological Association. Those joining NMMS may obtain membership in NAMA at an annual rate discounted from $35 to $32. NAMA members recieve a members' directory and a bimonthly newsletter, The Mycophile, and an annual journal, McIlvainea.
Although mushroom poisonings are fairly uncommon, they do occur, and in the last few years, reports of poisonings, some fatal, have increased notably. NMMS stresses that no wild mushrooms should be eaten without positive identification. If there is any doubt, look at it, photograph it if you like, but don't eat it! Furthermore, NMMS does not condone the use of psychoactive mushrooms or any fungus designated as a controlled substance. Besides the legal problems posed by possession, psychoactive fungi may contain substances which can be harmful or even fatal if ingested in sufficient amounts.