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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
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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!

Explore All Events
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We 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

January 9-11, 2026
Santa Cruz, CA

Thanks for visiting!

Upcoming FFSC Events

Recent News & Stories

Hugh Smith

Hugh Smith

July 3, 2026 at 4:45:00 PM

Earth Stars — Astreas Hygrometricus

I went to Yuba County to hunt for Earth Stars. Although they are curled up and dry during the summer months, they aren’t too hard to find once you find a few older stray ones. The grass isn’t tall and it’s dry as well.

Earth Stars — Astreas Hygrometricus

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Lisa Tesler

Lisa Tesler

June 18, 2026 at 9:13:00 PM

Spring Fungi of the Sierra Nevada - 2026 Recap

Each spring, the retreat of the snowpack provides a unique ecological window of opportunity for “snowbank fungi”, a group of mushrooms that (as the name suggests) grow in and around snowbanks. As spring gives way to summer, curious mycophiles from around the world gather at a rustic campus in Tahoe National Forest to study these fascinating fungi.

Spring Fungi of the Sierra Nevada - 2026 Recap

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Dan Tischler

Dan Tischler

May 20, 2026 at 7:11:16 PM

FFSC 2026 Ministers Elections-Results

Welcome our new slate of FFSC ministers elected at May 19, 2026 general meeting.

FFSC 2026 Ministers Elections-Results

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Join Our Indoor and Outdoor Activities

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

Monthly speaker showing features of a mushroom

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

Toni with a baked dish

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

Potlucks & Chef Dinners

Log. Photo by Dan Tischler

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

Alaska Foray participants

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

Phil Carpenter, Science Advisor

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

ID Classes & Workshops

Mushroom exhibits at the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

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!

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.

Fort Bragg, 2021. Photo by Hugh Smith

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.)

Stropharia. Photo by Katherine Elvin

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.

"Mushrooms Demystified" © David Arora

Follow @scfungusfed on Instagram

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