Alberta Mycological Society

The Alberta Mycological Society is excited to host its 2026 Great Alberta Mushroom Foray (GAMF) in the Town of Sundre, Alberta, from September 4 to September 7. This flagship event brings together fungi enthusiasts for a long weekend of exploration, education, and citizen science amid the diverse ecosystems of central Alberta’s foothills and forests.

After successful forays in northern locations like Cold Lake and Fox Creek, the GAMF moves south in 2026 to Sundre, nestled in Mountain View County. Participants will explore the rich macrofungi of the surrounding landscapes, extending west toward the stunning Ya Ha Tinda Ranch—Canada’s only federally operated horse ranch—on the edge of Banff National Park. This transition zone between prairie, foothill, and montane environments offers a unique variety of habitats for foraging, identifying, and learning about Alberta’s fungal biodiversity.

Attendees will join guided forays, workshops, and presentations, deepening their understanding of fungi’s vital roles in ecosystems while contributing to the AMS’s mission of studying and promoting fungal diversity. The event fosters community among mycophiles and supports ongoing efforts to document and appreciate Alberta’s remarkable mycoflora in this scenic and ecologically varied region.

Speakers

(Additional featured speakers and presentations will be updated as they are finalized)

Paul Kroeger

Paul is a long-time friend of the AMS and has identified 1000s of mushrooms. He is the premier field taxonomist in Western Canada. He has worked at the UBC herbarium for decades, cataloguing and preserving mushrooms. He works with BC Poison Control as their main identifier, and mushrooms are named in his honour.

Michael Schulz

Mike is a long time member and contributor to the AMS. He is an ecologist who is currently the Research Chair at Portage College. He has done extensive work on Fungal Species at Risk across the Prairie provinces. We usually see him hunkered over his microscope at Great Alberta Mushroom Forays.

Martin Osis

Martin is one of the AMS’s founding members. He is regularly called upon to give mushroom-related lectures and has held multiple positions on the AMS board. He was also the Canadian Trustee and Vice President of the North American Mycological Association.

Accommodations

Accommodations are not included in your ticket price. Below are list of motels, hotels, and campgrounds in the area. A Google search will offer more options.

Motels and hotels:

• • Chinook Country Inn
  • Sundre Motor Inn (403) 638-4440
  • Sun Plaza Motel
  • The King’s Motel

Campgrounds:

• • Greenwood Campground
  • Westward Ho Campground
  • Hidden Gem RV resort (403) 638-5030
  • Tall Timber Leisure Park

Volunteer Options