Rocky Mountain House Foray
2025-08-23 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Edmonton) | AB
Leader(s): Elaine Moase, Ryan Armishaw
Date: August 23, 2025
Time: 11:00AM – 2:00PM
Location: West of Rocky Mountain House
Dogs: Not Allowed on this foray
Other details: This is a Members-only event. Details regarding location will be emailed to members up to 1 week prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.

🍄 Community Foray 🍄
This foray is only possible because of one of your fellow members!
The best way to say “Thank You” is to lead your own foray for members.
If you are interested in leading a foray in your community, click the button link below.

🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄

Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

Red Deer Foray
2025-08-24 10:00 - 12:00 | AB
Leader(s): Lori-Anne Leger, TBD
Date: August 24, 2025
Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Location: Red Deer
Dogs: No, dogs are not welcome on this foray
Other details: Members-only event. Details regarding location will be emailed to members up to 1 week prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.

🍄 Community Foray 🍄
This foray is only possible because of one of your fellow members!
The best way to say “Thank You” is to lead your own foray for members.
If you are interested in leading a foray in your community, click the button link below.

🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄

Great Alberta Mushroom Foray 2025
2025-08-29 18:00 - 2025-09-01 12:00 | AB
Great Alberta Mushroom Foray 2025
Fox Creek, Alberta
August 29 to September 1, 2025

The Alberta Mycological Society is set to host its 2025 Great Alberta Mushroom Foray in Fox Creek, Alberta, from August 29 to September 1, bringing together fungi enthusiasts for a weekend of exploration, education, and citizen science in the heart of Alberta’s boreal forest. This annual event, a cornerstone of the AMS’s mission to study and promote fungal diversity, will see participants foraging, identifying, and learning about the region’s macrofungi, with expert mycologists like Michael Schulz guiding the process through microscopic analysis and DNA sampling, contributing to projects like the Wild Species 2025 Report for Canada.

Fox Creek, a small town surrounded by dense forests recovering from a 2023 wildfire, provides an ideal backdrop for the foray. Its spruce-rich landscape offers a unique opportunity to study fungi that may aid in wildfire prevention by decomposing wood fuel, a research focus for Schulz and Portage College in collaboration with the AMS. Attendees will participate in forays, workshops, and presentations, fostering a deeper understanding of Alberta’s fungal biodiversity while supporting innovative ecological research in a region actively working to enhance forest resilience.

Speakers/Presentations
Dr. Alfredo Justo: The genus Pluteus in North America – 100 species and counting.
Alfredo is the Curator of Botany and Mycology at the New Brunswick Museum. His research focuses on the fungal diversity of New Brunswick & Atlantic Canada, while maintaining ongoing global research on selected genera of mushrooms. He is one of the world’s leading experts on the genus Pluteus, the Deer Mushrooms.

Danny Miller: DNA: The History of Gilled Mushrooms – Workshop: Secrets of DNA analysis.
Danny is the Education Chair for the Puget Sound Mycological Society, designing and teaching the curriculum for the club’s mycology classes. Danny is a co-author of MycoMatch (formerly MatchMaker). He has a big interest in taxonomy and figuring out where all of the mushrooms fit into the fungal tree of life, and is currently trying to collect the DNA of every PNW species to determine which still need names.

Paul Kroeger: Poison Mushrooms – 2025 update. The Death Cap Mushroom; A Citizen Science Project.
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 has mushrooms named in honour after him.

Michael Schulz: Introduction to the Fox Creek fire safe program and collection protocols.
Mike is a long time member and contributor to the AMS. He is an ecologist who currently is 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: Introduction to Mushroom Identification.
Martin is one of the AMS founding members. He is called upon to give mushroom related lectures on a regular basis and has held multiple positions on the AMS board. He was also the Canadian Trustee and Vice President of the North American Mycological Association.

Mel Hohn: Workshop – Botanical sketching.
Mel is a graphic artist with a love for mushrooms. Sketching and drawing mushrooms is one of the best ways to learn to observe what a mushroom really looks like. She is currently the Vice-President of the AMS.

Accommodations
Here is a list of motels and hotels in the area. We recommend that you reserve early, as Fox Creek goes through booms and busts depending on the economic swings in the resource sector. (Click hotel names for Google listings)

Econo Lodge
Alaskan Motel
Fox Creek Inn
Iosegun Lake Lodge (Camp style set up just outside of Fox Creek)
Super 8
Foxwood Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus
Comfort Inn & Suites
Timber Ridge Inn & Suites
Devonian Hotel and Suites
Bedrock Inn
Grizzly Motor Hotel

*Meals
Meals will be provided by Freson Bros in Fox Creek. While we strive to accommodate dietary restrictions, it may be challenging to meet all needs. If you have specific or sensitive dietary requirements, please consider selecting the “no meals” option and arranging your own food. Otherwise, kindly indicate your dietary needs during ticket purchase. Thank you!

Volunteer Options
Please join us in making GAMF a success by volunteering for a few specific tasks. This is also a great opportunity for learning, so volunteer for something you want to learn more about or several areas. Kindly complete the Google Form below to choose your preferred duties before proceeding to purchase your GAMF ticket at the bottom of the page. (Don’t bother signing in to Google. Just enter your email, name, and volunteer choices. Then click SUBMIT). After submitting, scroll down the page to the Ticket Purchase section.
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White Hedgehog Survey Weekend
2025-09-06 09:00 - 2025-09-07 14:00 | AB
Leader(s): Ryan James
Date: September 6-7, 2025
Time:

Sept 6: 9:00AM-5:00PM
Sept 7: 9:00AM-2:00PM

Location: North of Hinton
Dogs: Dogs are not welcome on this foray.
Other details:
This is a collaborative citizen science foray weekend with West Fraser in search of the edible large white Hydnums (Hedgehog mushrooms). The AMS is working with West Fraser to determine the habitat of these mushrooms for future conservation. Contribute to science and possibly also find mushrooms for the table!
Members-only event. Details regarding the location will be emailed to members up to 1 week prior. RSVP is requested – look for details in the email when it arrives in your inbox.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.
Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

Ministik Scientific Foray
2025-09-06 14:00 - 16:00 | AB
Leader(s): Rick Watts, Martis Osis
Date: September 6, 2025
Time: 2:00PM-4:00PM
Location: Ministik
Dogs: Dogs are not welcome on this foray.
Other details:

This is a scientific foray.
Members-only event. Details regarding the location will be emailed to members up to 1 week prior.

Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.
Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

Blackfalds Foray (cancelled)
2025-09-10 11:00 - 13:00 | AB
Space is limited for this foray. All attendees need a ticket and must be active members of the Alberta Mycological Society. Tickets are available at the bottom of this page.

Leader(s): Lori-Anne Leger, TBD
Date: September 10, 2025
Time: 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Location: Blackfalds
Dogs: No, dogs are not welcome on this foray
Other details: Members-only event. Details regarding location will be emailed to members up to 1 week prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.

🍄 Community Foray 🍄
This foray is only possible because of one of your fellow members!
The best way to say “Thank You” is to lead your own foray for members.
If you are interested in leading a foray in your community, click the button link below.

🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄 🍄

Weald Camping Weekend
2025-09-12 17:00 - 2025-09-14 14:00 | AB
Weald Weekend Foray
September 12 – 14, 2025
Weald Provincial Recreation Area, Alberta
Join us for a weekend of fun and foraging on the beautiful banks of the Embarras River west of Edson in Weald Provincial Recreation Area.
Spots are limited! Reserve yours now…

September 12 – 14, 2025
$40 per unit for the weekend (no cost to come for the day)
Register now to guarantee your spot.

Exact location details and gate code will be sent to paid registered members.
Details:

Please restrict generator use to no earlier than 8 a.m., and not after 10 p.m.
Cooking up mushrooms for tasting is encouraged.
Arrive no sooner than 4 PM Friday – Departure by 2 pm Sunday.
Cost is $40 per unit (tent, trailer, etc). Registration is required to help manage the space available.
First scheduled foray is Saturday morning at 10 AM, back for lunch then out again at 1 or 2 PM. Sunday is open.
Great evenings of socializing, getting to know other like-minded fungophiles, carrying on deep mycological conversations, taste testing, singing and whatnot dependant on libations.
There is a closed-in shelter on site, a few picnic tables, and outdoor toilets, but no power or water hookups.
Pump water on site but water is not certified potable.
Sketchy cell service in the valley.
Firewood is provided.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and there will be a plethora of tasty edibles
ie: Hedgehogs, yellow foots, gypsies, red tops, russulas, lobsters, if not at least great company. Bring an instrument if you play and the usual foray (wet weather) essentials.

Fungi Feast at the Park - Calgary
2025-09-27 17:00 - 22:00 | Park By Sidewalk Citizen, 340 13 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0W9, Canada
Fungi Feast at the Park: An Evening of Mushroom-Inspired Cuisine and Conversation📍 Park by Sidewalk Citizen📅 Saturday, September 27th | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Alberta Mycological Society is kicking off National Mushroom Month with our very first Fungi Feast — a flavorful evening celebrating the fascinating world of mushrooms through food, drink, and expert insight.
For this special event, we’ve partnered with Park by Sidewalk Citizen for an evening of mushroom-focused canapés curated by Chef Stefan Gusztak, featuring creative mushroom-inspired dishes that are sure to delight.
Guests will also enjoy a talk by Malcolm Saunders, owner of LightCellar, who will share fresh perspectives on fungi in food, health, and everyday life.
🎟 Tickets: $50/person — includes:

A welcome drink of Raspberry Gazoz or all-natural Chaga Root Beer
Mushroom-themed canapés by Chef Stefan Gusztak
Expert presentation from Malcolm Saunders
A chance to win a door prize
A lively, welcoming evening with fellow food and fungi enthusiasts

Celebrate the incredible world of mushrooms with us — food, drink, and fungi await!

Refund Policy:
No refunds will be issued after Sunday, September 14th, 2024.
Spots are limited — don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event blending flavour, learning, and community connection.

Edmonton Year-End Social
2025-12-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Abbotsfield Penny McKee Library Program Room, 3210 118 Ave NW Unit 160, Edmonton, AB, T5W 4W1, Canada
Edmonton 2025 Year End Event Please join us for Christmas treats and a chance to connect with fellow members, share feedback and help shape the direction of the Alberta Mycological Society as we look ahead to 2026.
Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the community, this intimate event is a great opportunity to get involved and have your voice heard.
Admission is FREE. Seasonal snacks and beverages will be provided.
PS Stocking stuffers and other merchandise will be available for purchase for your favorite mycophiles (maybe even for yourself)!
** Due to limited capacity, this event is for registered AMS members only. **
Agenda
2:00 – 2:15 PM: Setup
2:15 – 2:20 PM: Welcome & Introductions
A quick hello and overview of what to expect during the meeting.
2:20 – 2:30 PM: Overview of AMS Goals & Current Programs
A brief look at our mission, achievements, and ongoing initiatives.
2:30 – 3:15 PM: Open Discussion: Member Interests & Needs
We want to hear what matters most to you. Bring your ideas, concerns, and suggestions.
3:15 – 3:45 PM: Ideas for Local Events, Forays, and Education
Help us plan what you’d like to see in the Edmonton region in the coming year.
3:45 – 3:55 PM: The Christmas Mushroom
What is the Christmas Mushroom and how does it link to Santa Claus?
3:55 – 4:10 PM: Feedback Form Completion
Members will have time to fill out feedback forms to help guide future AMS efforts.
4:10 – 4:30 PM: Cleanup

"Lichens as Living Collaborations: What It Takes to Build One" Webinar by AMS Graduate Award Winner Arseniy Belosohkov
2025-12-18 18:30 - 20:00 | AB
Lichens as Living Collaborations: What It Takes To Build OneLichens are famous as partnerships between fungi and algae, yet after more than a century of trying, mycologists still do not have a reliable “lab lichen” that can be rebuilt from known parts. In this talk, I will take you behind the scenes of my graduate research on lichen resynthesis, from historical experiments with spores on agar plates to modern questions about potential hidden partners, new layers to the basis of the lichen symbionts’ relationships and what is still needed to be understood to grow a lichen thallus.

AMS Webinar: Mycorrhizal Fungi
2026-01-15 18:30 - 20:00 | AB
Presenter: Jacob Beauregard
PhD student at the University of Alberta in the mycorrhizal ecology lab of Dr. Justine Karst
Webinar: Mycorrhizal Fungi: Diversity, Function and Mysteries of the Underground
Mycorrhizal fungi are globally distributed plant symbionts. While multiple groups of mycorrhizal fungi exist, they share the fact that they form intimate relationships with plants – from the arctic to the tropics. However, mycorrhizal fungi span an incredible diversity of species and functional traits, not only within groups but between them. Whether with grasses, orchids, or your favourite tree, they are playing important roles right beneath your feet! Many questions remain in regard to their impacts on soil ecosystems, the other microbes that live with them, and how they play into making plants more resilient to changing environments. Join us in exploring who they are, what they do, and everything we don’t yet understand about them!
Presenter:
Jacob is a PhD student at the UofA in the mycorrhizal ecology lab of Dr. Justine Karst. While he is from Vancouver, BC, he recently moved to Alberta from Quebec and has a background in forest conservation, management and microbial ecology. Jacob fell in love with fungi and never turned back – from mushrooms to molds, he leads a mycocentric life and is on a mission to bring fungi to the forefront. He believes that fungi are for everyone from everywhere and that we just need to get their stories out there! While fanciful fungal stories do exist, he believes they are wild and mysterious enough without the need for embellishment. He likes to live by the mantra – less hype, more hyphae and hopes you’ll be equally inspired by the many mycological mysteries already out there!
His Lab:
https://lab.karst.ca

AMS Webinar: Slime Moulds of British Columbia
2026-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 | AB
Presenter: Tyson EhlersWebinar: Slime Moulds of British Columbia
Tyson Ehlers is a professional biologist and ecologist from the Slocan Valley, BC, focussed on
biodiversity, conservation, and species and ecosystems at risk. He has been a passionate student of
fungi for most of his life and works to document species diversity and protect wild mushroom habitat.
He has amassed an extensive specimen collection and contributed to scientific research, regional
inventories, and conservation status assessments. He has led numerous workshops on wild mushroom
identification and co-authored a local guidebook: Mushrooms to Look for in the Kootenays. More
recently, Tyson has turned his attention to slime moulds (Myxomycetes), which has led to the discovery
of a species new to science and collaboration on an upcoming book about these fascinating organisms in
BC.
Tyson has been a naturalist as long as he can remember, having grown up in the rural South Okanagan
Valley where he spent much of his time chasing critters. His early fascination with the natural world was
fueled by some great mentors who helped shape his career. Mushrooms ended up being the most
enduring pursuit, providing the greatest rewards in terms of adventure, income, sustenance, and
intellectual curiosity. They also taught him about patience and humility, and the diversity of life at
smaller scales. As mushrooms have gained popularity, his interests have gravitated to smaller things, the
lesser known species groups and organisms that are poorly studied.
Over the past 5 years or so, Tyson and his colleagues Ryan Durand, Pam Janszen, and Andy MacKinnon
formed the unofficial “BC Myxo Working Group”, dedicated to researching slime moulds in British
Columbia. These strange organisms are even more cryptic and smaller than many fungi and have largely
been excluded from traditional biological inventories. Slime moulds may have an unfortunate common
name, but they are elegant and intriguing and have a fascinating life cycle. They are enigmatic creatures,
neither animal nor plant nor fungus; they dance to their own rhythm amongst the myriad organisms
that weave together the fabric of life on this planet.
In this photo-rich presentation, Tyson will introduce the world of slime moulds, their anatomy, biology
and habitats, how to collect and identify them, and present some of the findings from the BC Myxo
Working Group.

AMS Webinar: 13 New Fungi Species in Alberta
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:00 | AB
Presenter: Jose MalolesWebinar: 13 New Fungi Species in Alberta
Calicioids are a diverse group of tiny, stubble-like lichens and allied fungi traditionally studied by lichenologists. Many calicioids grow in highly specialized microhabitats, making them good indicators of natural areas with high conservation value. However, appreciating this fascinating group of lichens requires a good understanding of their taxonomy which had yet to be tackled in Alberta. In this talk, I will share our study that examined the calicioid flora of Alberta which uncovered a whopping 72 species (more than doubled the 31 previously known to the province). The flora includes comprehensive descriptions, distribution maps and images of 93% of the species in the province.

About the Presenter:
Jose completed his Masters in Ecology at the University of Guelph, Ontario, and has a background in vegetation monitoring, species conservation and taxonomy. He became captivated by the diverse lichens of eastern Canada, where he developed a keen interest in calicioids. Currently, he works as a Lichen Taxonomist at the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, where he continues to share his love for these tiny species!

2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
2026-03-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Devon Community Centre, 20 Haven Avenue, Devon, Alberta, T9G 2B9, Canada
Annual General Meeting 2026
This year the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in person and virtually on Saturday March 21, 2026 at the Devon Community Centre in Devon, Alberta at no charge to participants.

Location is:
Devon Community Centre
20 Haven Avenue
Devon, Alberta T9G 2B9 Canada

The Devon Community Centre opens to the membership at 9:30 a.m. and the AGM starts at 10:00 a.m. Breakfast pastries and lunch will be provided for those attending in-person.
The AGM will be held in accordance with the Society Bylaws and will include

Reports on the work of the Society in 2025
The 2025 Audited Financial Statements
Elections of board members – there are vacancies on the board. If you are interested in joining the board you may complete a nomination form here.

AMS Merchandise will be available for sale
RSVP below for AGMOnly members with an active AMS membership can vote at the AGMAGM Agenda

AGM Minutes 2025

Proposed Bylaw Change

2025 Balance Sheet – Audited

2025 Profit & Loss Statement – Audited

2026 Proposed Budget

2026 Membership Report

Annual General Meeting Presentation A Resilient Planet Needs Fungi Now: The Secret Lives of Fungi
Overview: Fungi are weird, fungi are cool, and fungi are beautiful. But how much do we really know about them? For starters, they do much more than just rot things. They control pretty much all life on our planet and are everywhere. Britt Bunyard’s lecture will present fascinating stories and beautiful photos of amazing fungi featured in his latest book. Discover the crazy, wonderful life that goes on all around us, mostly hidden in plain sight.
Britt A. Bunyard, PhDBritt A. Bunyard, PhD, is the founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of the mycology journal Fungi, in print since 2008. Britt is a former university professor and has published over 100 academic and popular science papers. He has served as an editor for mycological and entomological research journals, and mushroom guide books.
A popular evangelizer on all things fungal, Britt has given more than 250 invited lectures to academic and popular audiences across North America and beyond. He has been featured on the BBC World Service’s Newshour, NPR’s All Things Considered, PBS’s NOVA and Wisconsin Foodie television programs; and interviewed or quoted in Discover magazine, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Vox, Vogue, Forbes, Saveur, Eating Well, Hobby Farm, Women’s World, and other magazines and newspapers.
Britt has collected fungi and lectured throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Annually, he leads mycological expeditions throughout the world. One such expedition, was the subject of an award-winning documentary film “Look Down Not Up” (2022), produced by documentary filmmakers Alok Siddhi Tuladhar and Dusty Shiva Panthi of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Britt has authored several books, including The Lives of Fungi (2022; Princeton University Press) which is sold all over the world and translated into Italian, German, Spanish, and Chinese languages. Additional titles include Fungi of the World: A Guide to All Phyla (2026; Princeton University Press), Atlas of Fungi (2026; Princeton University Press), Fungi Decoded (2025; Penguin Random House), The Little Book of Fungi (2024; Princeton University Press), The Beginner’s Guide to Mushrooms (2021; Quarry Books), Amanitas of North America (2020; The Fungi Press), and
Mushrooms and Macrofungi of Ohio and Midwestern States (2012; The Ohio State University Press).
Coming in 2027: Fungi: A Practical Field Guide (Quarry Books).
Britt has served as Executive Director of the Telluride Mushroom Festival since 2014 and was awarded the “Dr. Emanuele Salzman Award” for service to the Telluride Mushroom Festival in 2024. In 2021 he was awarded the Gary Lincoff Award “For Contributions to Amateur Mycology,” by the North American Mycological Association—NAMA’s most prestigious honor for American mycologists.Join us after the 2026 AGM for the President’s Dinner by Chef Lindsay PorterTickets for AMS Non-Members

Tickets for AMS Members

Non-Member Pricing for 2026 President's Dinner by Chef Lindsay Porter
2026-03-21 18:01 - 22:00 | Devon Community Centre, 20 Haven Avenue, Devon, Alberta, T9G 2B9, Canada
Chef Lindsay Porter
This year the President’s Dinner will be held on Saturday March 21, 2026 at the Devon Community Centre in Devon, Alberta.

Location is:
Devon Community Centre
20 Haven Avenue
Devon, Alberta T9G 2B9 Canada

President’s Dinner – Celebrity ChefNot often does one have a Celebrity Chef preparing their meal…
Chef Lindsay Porter is a decorated executive chef from Edmonton, Alberta, known for her leadership at prominent local restaurants and her prolific career as a “competition chef” on major networks like Food Network. She graduated from the NAIT culinary arts program in 2006, with her culinary career spanning nearly two decades, characterized by executive roles in Edmonton and international experience.

Media & Television Appearances

Porter has become a staple of culinary competition television, appearing on numerous high-profile shows.

Program
Network
Outcome / Role

Top Chef Canada
(Season 10)
Food Network Canada
Competitor (First Edmonton-based chef to compete)

Guy’s Grocery Games

Food Network (US)
Winner (Noodle Games episode, 2017/2018); appeared twice

Fire Masters

Food Network Canada
Winner (2019)

Beat Bobby Flay

Food Network
Competitor (2020)

Iron Chef Canada

Food Network Canada
Sous Chef for Shane Chartrand

Dish with Mary

AMI-tv
Guest Chef (Featured in Episode 7)

Menu Cash Bar: Mushroom Infused Cocktails – Wine – Highballs
Mushroom Menu 2026
Course 1 – The Garden
Mini soil garden with almond, carrot, celery, beet, greens, beech and trumpet mushroom, crispy rice and a creamy porcini dressing
Course 2 – Grilled Truffled Portabellas
With beef tartare, rosemary honey, capers and parmesan
Course 3 – Asian Mushroom Expression
Grilled lions mane soup
shiitake and wood ear XO chilli topped pork and shrimp shu mai dumplings with a mushroom dusted crispy onion
Course 4 – Lamb Rack and Sausage
Chanterelle herb duxelle, morel rhubarb demiglace, fingerling potato, smoked parsnip puree with lovage oil
Course 5 – Sticky Toffee Cake
With a cordyceps-infused toffee sauce and candied peanuts
President’s Dinner Presentation You know the name. But do you REALLY know the mushroom?
Overview: Fungi are intriguing and truly amaze us. And, as a result of convergent evolution, many may puzzle or confuse, as well as fascinate us upon learning their evolutionary histories. This lecture will discuss the evolution of life on our planet…and in particular the evolution of fungi. (They do things no other organisms do.) Completely unfamiliar with how evolution has shaped life on earth? This lecture is for you. Think you already know everything there is to know on the topic? It’s likely you will find out a few surprises.
Britt A. Bunyard, PhDBritt A. Bunyard, PhD, is the founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of the mycology journal Fungi, in print since 2008. Britt is a former university professor and has published over 100 academic and popular science papers. He has served as an editor for mycological and entomological research journals, and mushroom guide books.
A popular evangelizer on all things fungal, Britt has given more than 250 invited lectures to academic and popular audiences across North America and beyond. He has been featured on the BBC World Service’s Newshour, NPR’s All Things Considered, PBS’s NOVA and Wisconsin Foodie television programs; and interviewed or quoted in Discover magazine, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Vox, Vogue, Forbes, Saveur, Eating Well, Hobby Farm, Women’s World, and other magazines and newspapers.
Britt has collected fungi and lectured throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Annually, he leads mycological expeditions throughout the world. One such expedition, was the subject of an award-winning documentary film “Look Down Not Up” (2022), produced by documentary filmmakers Alok Siddhi Tuladhar and Dusty Shiva Panthi of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Britt has authored several books, including The Lives of Fungi (2022; Princeton University Press) which is sold all over the world and translated into Italian, German, Spanish, and Chinese languages. Additional titles include Fungi of the World: A Guide to All Phyla (2026; Princeton University Press), Atlas of Fungi (2026; Princeton University Press), Fungi Decoded (2025; Penguin Random House), The Little Book of Fungi (2024; Princeton University Press), The Beginner’s Guide to Mushrooms (2021; Quarry Books), Amanitas of North America (2020; The Fungi Press), and
Mushrooms and Macrofungi of Ohio and Midwestern States (2012; The Ohio State University Press).
Coming in 2027: Fungi: A Practical Field Guide (Quarry Books).
Britt has served as Executive Director of the Telluride Mushroom Festival since 2014 and was awarded the “Dr. Emanuele Salzman Award” for service to the Telluride Mushroom Festival in 2024. In 2021 he was awarded the Gary Lincoff Award “For Contributions to Amateur Mycology,” by the North American Mycological Association—NAMA’s most prestigious honor for American mycologists.Purchase non-AMS member ticket’s for the President’s dinner below!
Click here for AMS Member Pricing for President’s DinnerYou must be logged in to your AMS account in order to purchase the AMS member pricing for the President’s dinner.

Edmonton Region Spring Foray
2026-03-22 10:30 - 12:30 | AB
Leader(s): Lori-Anne Leger, Ryan Armishaw
Date: March 22, 2026
Time: 10:30AM-12:30PM
Location: NW of Devon
Dogs: Dogs are permitted, but they must remain on leash at all times.
Other details: Members-only event. Details regarding the location will be emailed to members up to 1 week prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.
Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

Calgary Basket Weaving By Candice Cullum
2026-04-11 11:30 - 15:00 | Fish Creek Library, 11161 Bonaventure Dr SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 2T8, Canada
Instructor: Candice CullumAMS corporate member Candice Cullum – amateur mycologist, basket weaving instructor, recipient of the 2020 AMS President’s Award and owner of Full Baskets
Basket Weaving taught by Candice Cullum Get ready for foraging season by crafting your own basket. Join the Alberta Mycological Society (AMS) and AMS corporate member Candice Cullum for a hands-on basket weaving workshop where you’ll create a functional basket perfect for gathering mushrooms, berries, and other wild finds.
Come make your own basket for foraging season with AMS and AMS corporate member Candice Cullum. During this workshop you will weave a basket from start to finish using natural materials.
Baskets can be made with or without a handle and will range in size and base depending on the supplies available, making each basket unique. The price includes all supplies.
Spend a creative day learning a traditional skill, connecting with fellow nature lovers, and leave with a handcrafted basket ready for the upcoming foraging season. 🍄

Calgary AMS Meet & Greet - Bring a Friend
2026-05-09 12:30 - 15:30 | Calgary Central Library, 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 2E7, Canada
Calgary AMS Meet & Greet – Bring a FriendLocation: Calgary Central Library Room: 3-16B
800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2E7
Curious about the Alberta Mycological Society, foraging and the world of mushrooms?
Learn what mushrooms are, where & how to find them, and how to identify some tasty edibles!
Meet other foragers, both beginner and experienced
Chaga Iced Tea, Water, Reishi Brownies and snacks will be provided
Schedule (approximate)
12:30pm – 1:00pm: Doors open and socialize

1:00pm – 1:15pm: Welcome and introduction to AMS

1:15pm – 2:00pm: Presentations on Mushrooms, Foraging, iHunter, iNaturalist and other important information for the 2026 season

2:00pm – 2:15pm: Update on AMS Events and Projects

2:15pm – 3:00pm: Free time for questions and socialization

3:00pm – 3:30: Tidy up meeting room

AMS Webinar: Mushroom Photography, Collecting & Vouchering for AMS/iNaturalist
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:30 | AB
Alan RockefellerPresenter: Webinar: Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just starting out, knowing how to document what you find in the field is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. In this webinar, Alan will cover how to capture high-quality photographs of a wide variety of mushroom types. You’ll also learn best practices for collecting and preserving physical specimens, and get a step-by-step walkthrough of how to complete AMS voucher forms so your finds can contribute to the AMS fungarium, iNaturalist, and Alberta’s broader fungal biodiversity record.
This free, beginner-friendly webinar is open to everyone.
About Alan Rockefeller: Alan is a popular self-taught American mycologist with a deep passion for the hidden world of fungi. He specializes in fungi photography, microscopy, DNA sequencing, and taxonomy, and has built a widely respected reputation in both the amateur and scientific mycology communities. Alan actively contributes to citizen science by volunteering his time identifying fungi on iNaturalist, Mushroom Observer, and Facebook, where he is known for his approachable teaching style and encyclopedic knowledge. Alan can most easily be found on his Facebook page.
All Photos Credits: Alan Rockefeller More photos can be found on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alanrockefeller

AMS Webinar: 2026 Foraging with AMS, iNaturalist & iHunter
2026-05-21 18:30 - 20:30 | AB
Curious about foraging with AMS this season? This free webinar walks you through everything you need to know to get started. Learn about AMS membership options and how to sign up for forays, plus what’s new for 2026.
Get the basics on foray safety, gear, and trail etiquette, then dive into two must-have apps for the field: iNaturalist for logging and identifying your finds, and iHunter for navigating your forage areas. Whether you’re brand new or just brushing up, this one is worth tuning in for!

Calgary Region Foray
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | AB
Leader(s): Christine Costello, Nadia Shiwdin, Sean Campbell, Taylor Routledge
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM
Location: NW of Calgary
Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome on this foray; preferably leashed when appropriate.
Other details: Members-only event.
Membership ID: You will need your membership ID for the sign in/out forms on the foray – here is how you can find yours!

Log into your AMS account.
In the top right – click “My Profile”.
Under the blue banner – click “Membership Cards”.
Take a screenshot or note your membership id on your card!

Details regarding location will be emailed to members 1 – 2 days prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.

Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

Red Deer/Calgary Region Foray
2026-05-24 11:00 - 13:00 | AB
Leader(s): Lori-Anne Leger, Taylor Routledge and Nadia Shiwdin
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 11:00AM-1:00PM
Location: NW of Calgary (1hr 45min), SW of Red Deer (1hr 10min)
Dogs: Well behaved leashed dogs are welcome on this foray.
Other details: Members-only event and 10 Non-member day passes available.
Membership ID: You will need your membership ID for the sign in/out forms on the foray – here is how you can find yours!

Log into your AMS account.
In the top right – click “My Profile”.
Under the blue banner – click “Membership Cards”.
Take a screenshot or note your membership id on your card!

Details regarding location will be emailed to members 1 – 2 days prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.

Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

AMS Workshop: Growing Edible Mushrooms in Your Garden
2026-05-28 18:30 - 20:30 | AB
Workshop: Growing Edible Mushrooms in your backyard
Hosted by Fungi Akuafo
For: Beginner mushroom cultivators
In this 1.5 hour workshop you will learn fungi basics (lifecycle, cultivation cycle & cooking your harvest) and a simple technique to grow wine cap (beds), shaggy mane (heaps) and oyster mushrooms (stacks).
Your registration fee includes:

Link to introductory video on mushrooms life and cultivation cycle.
1.5-hour live workshop via Zoom
Access to recording for three months

OPTION A – WORKSHOP ONLY:

1.5 hour Zoom presentation with Q&A

OPTION B- WORKSHOP AND SAWDUST SPAWN:

1.5 hour Zoom presentation with Q&A
1 bag of Shaggy Mane, Wine Cap, Blue Oyster or Pearl Oyster sawdust spawn (1.5kg, sufficient to make one 1 square metre bed)

No refunds on sawdust spawn – No refunds for webinar after Monday, May 25th, 2026

AMS Booth @ Search & Rescue Outdoor Show
2026-05-30 11:00 - 15:00 | Capitol Hill Community Centre, 1531 21 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2M 1L9, Canada
Come pay the AMS booth a visit at the 4th Annual Calgary Search & Rescue Outdoor Show!

Calgary Region Foray - Kananaskis (Early Foray)
2026-06-03 12:00 - 14:00 | AB
Leader(s): Lori-Anne Leger, Taylor Routledge
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location Details: Kananaskis Wilderness Wednesday: the daily vehicle fee ($15) is waived by Alberta Parks on the first Wednesday of every month.
Dogs: No dogs on this foray.
Other details: Members-only event. There are 5 Non-Member Day Passes available ($15).
Membership ID: You will need your membership ID for the sign in/out forms on the foray – here is how you can find yours!

Log into your AMS account.
In the top right – click “My Profile”.
Under the blue banner – click “Membership Cards”.
Take a screenshot or note your membership id on your card!

Details regarding location will be emailed to members 1 – 2 days prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.

Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

Calgary Region Foray - Kananaskis (Evening Foray)
2026-06-03 18:00 - 20:00 | AB
Leader(s): Christine Costello, Barb Shworak
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location Details: Kananaskis Wilderness Wednesday: the daily vehicle fee ($15) is waived by Alberta Parks on the first Wednesday of every month.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome on this foray; preferably leashed when appropriate.
Other details: Members-only event.
Membership ID: You will need your membership ID for the sign in/out forms on the foray – here is how you can find yours!

Log into your AMS account.
In the top right – click “My Profile”.
Under the blue banner – click “Membership Cards”.
Take a screenshot or note your membership id on your card!

Details regarding location will be emailed to members 1 – 2 days prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.

Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

East of Edmonton Morel & Verpa Foray (Ticket Required)
2026-06-07 11:00 - 15:00 | AB
Leader(s): Ryan Armishaw, Rosemarie O’Bertos
Date: June 7, 2026
Time: 11:00AM – 3:00PM
Location: East of Edmonton.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on this foray
Tickets (Required for all attendees): Space is limited on this foray. AMS Members: Get your free ticket below. Non-members: 5 day-passes available for $15.00 each.
Other details: Details regarding the location will be emailed to ticket holders up to 1 week prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.
Membership ID: You will need your membership ID for the sign in/out forms on the foray – here is how you can find yours!

Log into your AMS account.
In the top right – click “My Profile”.
Under the blue banner – click “Membership Cards”.
Take a screenshot or note your membership id on your card!

Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

Red Deer Region - Spring Foray
2026-06-10 18:00 - 20:00 | AB
Leader(s): Candice Cullum, Lori-Anne Leger
Date: June 10, 2026
Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Location: Red Deer Region
Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome on this foray; preferably leashed.
Other details: Members-only event. There are 5 Non-Member Day Passes available ($15). Details regarding location will be emailed 1 – 2 days prior.
Membership ID: You will need your membership ID for the sign in/out forms on the foray – here is how you can find yours!

Log into your AMS account.
In the top right – click “My Profile”.
Under the blue banner – click “Membership Cards”.
Take a screenshot or note your membership id on your card!

Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.

Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

Breton Foray - Spring Mushrooms - RSVP
2026-06-14 11:00 - 14:00 | AB
Leader(s): Lori-Anne Leger, Rosemarie O’Bertos
Date: June 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: West of Breton
Dogs: Are not welcome on this foray.
Other details: Space is limited on this foray. Please RSVP below. This is a Members-only event. Details regarding the location will be emailed up to 1 week prior.
Please read and familiarize yourself with the AMS Foray guidelines.
Membership ID: You will need your membership ID for the sign in/out forms on the foray – here is how you can find yours!

Log into your AMS account.
In the top right – click “My Profile”.
Under the blue banner – click “Membership Cards”.
Take a screenshot or note your membership id on your card!

Please be advised that all events listed on our website are subject to change or cancellation due to various factors, including but not limited to:

Unfavourable Moisture/Fruiting Conditions
Mushroom growth is heavily dependent on environmental conditions such as moisture levels and temperature. If conditions are not conducive to mushroom fruiting, events may be cancelled.

Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite our best efforts to plan and organize events, unforeseen circumstances may arise that necessitate cancellation or postponement.

Lack of Volunteers
Our events rely on volunteers to lead forays, and if there is a shortage of volunteers, we may need to cancel or reschedule events. Become a Foray Host!

Final event details, including any changes or cancellations, will be communicated via email to all members approximately one week prior to the scheduled event. We highly recommend checking your email regularly for updates.

2026 Summer Solstice Feast Weekend
2026-06-19 17:00 - 2026-06-21 14:00 | Bergen Community Hall Camping, 31547 Range Road 53C, Mountain View County, Alberta, T0M 1X0, Canada
2026 Summer Solstice Feast Weekend

Friday, June 19th, from 5 pm to Sunday, June 21st @ 2 pm. The Bergen Community Hall

Camping:

There is plenty of space for camping without an electrical hookup – included in the ticket
There are 6 camping spots with electrical hookup (15 amp plugin) – $15/each

Food Will Include:

Friday – Hot Dogs and S’mores
Saturday – Main Feast Entree, including a safe (Vegan) option. Mushrooms will be prominently featured!! Please bring a ‘Potluck’ side to accompany the Main Feast (include a note with a list of ingredients)
Sunday – The First ‘Offspring BBQ Brunch’

Note: We recommend you bring your own food and snacks for any additional meals (ie. breakfast).

Schedule:
Friday June 19th Arrival and settling in

5:00 pm – Arrive – Setup
6:00 pm (?) – Foray time – Evening hunt around the grounds, lots of trees. UV lights available
6:30 pm – Dinner on a stick –Wiener roast and Build You Own, Music and games
9:00 pm – Bioluminescence Foray
11:00 pm – Bedtime…

Saturday June 20th – The LONGEST day of the year

8:00 am – Breakfast
10:00 am –Fungi Akuafo Tour OR Foray time
12:00 Noon – ID time
1:00 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm – Foray time
4:00 pm – ID time
6:30 pm – Solstice Feast with Music, games and too much food
9:00 pm – Bioluminescence Foray
11:00 pm – Bedtime…

Sunday June 21st – Windup/ Father’s Day

9:00 am – Offspring Brunch, an homage to Father’s Day
10:00am – Foray time – Final foray
12:00 noon – ID and cleanup time
3:00 pm – CHECKOUT

Potential Foray Areas:

Bergen Hall grounds – Grass and Trees
Rocky Mountains & Foothills (45 min drive to the mountains)
North/South Cowboy trail

NOTE:
Calgary to Bergen – 109 Km @ 1 hr. 24 mins
Edmonton to Bergen – 263 Km @ 2 hr. 50 mins

We are offering a tour of the Fungi Akuafo facilities on Saturday morning. The facility is located just outside of Bergen and the tour will include the lab and incubation room, and areas where mushrooms are grown outside. There is a limit of 10 people for the tour. More details will follow
