Mushrooms fascinate us!

They're ubiquitous and mysterious, delicious and sometimes deadly. They're among the oldest living things on earth. Excited to learn more? You might be a fungiphile!

Learn About Fungi

Explore the world of fungi!

Join us as we hunt mushrooms for scientific interest and for the table. Learn to create art with fungi. Spend time outdoors and share your fungi finds with friends!

Upcoming Events

Keep the "fun" in fungus!

Our mission is to foster and expand the understanding and appreciation of mycology among our members and the general public. And to always keep the “fun” in fungus!

Why Join FFSC

Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz

"An eating and drinking club with a mushroom problem" -- Henry Young

SAVE THE DATES!
January 9-11, 2026
Santa Cruz, CA

Upcoming FFSC Events

December 6, 2025, 5:30 – 9:30 PM

2025 Annual Holiday Potluck

We’re excited to invite all Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz members and their guests to our Annual Holiday Potluck—a cherished tradition that brings together our community, celebrates mushrooms, and embraces the spirit of the season!

December 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM – December 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Albion I Long-Distance Foray, December 2025

Save the date for our December foray in Mendocino! Enjoy fruiting fungi, pleasant people, feast on fabulous foods, and refreshing rains.

January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM – January 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM

2026 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

Come to the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair to learn fascinating and fun facts about beautiful and diverse species of mushrooms!

Explore All Events

Recent News & Stories

11/10/25, 11:51 PM

How I spent my Summer vacation.

I officially retired in Oct 2024 and after the end of our club season this year, I suddenly had more time to go foraging.

11/8/25, 6:41 AM

Field Report- Local Foray

After scant fall rains, about 30 inquisitive fungiphiles met on a Saturday morning to see what might be popping up in our local fields and forests.

7/20/25, 11:34 PM

Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Logo Design Contest

Submissions for this contest are closed. Artists who submitted entries have been notified of the results offline.

11/1/24, 7:00 AM

2025 Fungus Fair Speakers

Here is the schedule of our speakers from last year's event, the 2025 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair!

Talks by popular speakers often sell out or fill up quickly! If sessions interest you, we suggest you carefully study the schedule of talks and demonstrations when they become available (usually around November), so that you can plan which days you'd like to attend.

Join Our Indoor and Outdoor Activities

We get together from September through May to learn and share knowledge about mushrooms, while having fun!

Monthly talks from mycologists and enthusiasts that inspire and educate. Peruse mushrooms that people bring in, and enjoy refreshments. FREE and open to the public.

Monthly Speakers

From tailgate tastings and potlucks to chef dinners, our foodie fun events are scattered throughout the year.

Potlucks & Chef Dinners

Join local forays in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas. Learn while exploring our local woods and fields with like-minded people.

Local Forays

Long-distance forays are overnight (or longer) trips farther afield. They carry the allure of new fungal finds, amazing culinary pleasures, and collaborative education adventure.

Long-Distance Forays

Gain more knowledge and hands-on experience with mushroom ID and mycology. (Some classes are for FFSC members only.)

ID Classes & Workshops

Explore hundreds of wild species, both deadly and delicious. Create mushroom crafts--fun for all ages! Visit vendors and sample delicious mushroomy treats.

Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

Join our club for only $25 per household!

Why Join FFSC?

Online Resources

The safest way to learn about mushrooms is to hunt and identify mushrooms with knowledgable people in person. In addition, here are some field guildes, recipes, and other resources that can help you build your knowlede. Stay safe, and have fun learning!

Featured Fungi

Get background intel on mushrooms you may encounter in your wanderings.

Myco Art

Mushroom photography, and making art with or inspired by mushrooms.

Mushroom dyed silk at the 44th Fungus Fair. Photo by Hugh Smith (cropped)

Field Reports

Foray stories and species we found. (Available to FFSC members only.)

Mushroom Recipes

Recipes with mushrooms, and complementary dishes. Try them at home or for an FFSC potluck!

Mushroom Bisque in a Teacup. Photo by John Spaur

Culinary Techniques

Bring out the flavors of your edible finds by cleaning and storing them properly

Matsutakes (Albion). Photo by Katherine Elvin

Online Learning

Advice and self-challenges to build your skills.

"Fuchsi" (Hygrocybe coccinea). Photo by Joshua Becker

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities for students, non-profits, and FFSC members studying fungi.

"Now that's a hedgehog". Credit: Unknown

What We're Reading

Browse our selection of books and articles on mycology.

Follow @scfungusfed on Instagram

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