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

January 9-11, 2026
Santa Cruz, CA

Thanks for visiting!

Upcoming FFSC Events

May 16, 2026, 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

2026 Beer and Mushrooms Picnic

Prepare to enjoy a fun-filled day with a bunch of Fungiphiles and Zymurgeeks! Our
spring picnic is coming up, and you won’t want to miss it.

May 19, 2026, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

May Speaker | Dean Lyons : A Natural History of Gondwanaland Fungi

As our last local monthly speaker of the season, Dean will explore the similarities, differences and beauty of New Zealand and South America, which were once part of an ancient supercontinent.

August 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM – September 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Alaska Long-Distance Foray, September 2026

Save the date for our fantastic journey in Alaska! Explore the Alaskan Kenai peninsula and be amazed by the wildlife, fjords, glaciers and of course mushrooms.

Explore All Events

Recent News & Stories

3/10/26, 7:58 PM

FFSC Bylaws Revision

We are revising our club bylaws.

1/20/26, 7:59 PM

2026 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair: Our Mission in Action

The Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz exists to expand the understanding and appreciation of mycology through education; and to assist the public, institutions, and partner organizations in advancing that goal--and keeping the FUN in fungi. The 2026 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair brought all of these groups together to make high-quality mycological education accessible to thousands of people, while producing real scientific output and supporting local arts, culture and economic development.

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.

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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