New Mexico Mycological Society
History

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.

Purpose

The purpose of NMMS is to advance the understanding and stimulate the interest of the members in the field of mycology by

  • Providing opportunities for study, holding conferences, facilitating cooperative research, arranging forays, and exchanging information among members.
  • Interchanging specimens and information with other interested parties and organizations.
  • Supporting efforts to preserve open spaces in the state of New Mexico.

    Meetings

    NMMS holds meetings in Albuquerue and Santa Fe. 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. Click here for details of upcoming meetings.


    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. New Members joining after June 30th pay $10 for the remainder of the calendar year. NMMS also offers a Student Membership ($15/year) for full-time New Mexico students.

    See Application Form for more information.

    NAMA

    NMMS is affiliated with the North American Mycological Association. Those joining NMMS may obtain membership in NAMA at an annual rate of $24. NAMA members joining at this rate will recieve electronic copies of the NAMA Members' Directory and two additional publications: a bimonthly newsletter, The Mycophile, and NAMA's annual journal, McIlvainea.

    Poisoning

    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.

    NMMS Websites

    In 2o1o, NMMS initiated an Interactive Forum for its members: NewMexicoMyco.org. Visit that site or NewMexicoMyco.net for more information.

    NewMexicoMyco.net/nmms/clubpage.htm
    dmw . 2o13-o5-o5