Mushroom Forays

A Mushroom Foray is the exploration of an outdoor location to search for and identify the fungi growing in the area, in the spirit of helping people to learn about wild fungi. During our forays, we are committed to protecting natural areas and their biological integrity, so when we collect fungi, we do so in a way that does not harm the fungi or their habitats. Our forays are organized by our volunteer Foray Hosts and led by AMS-approved Foray Leaders, who provide guidance and valuable information to the attendees on how to look for mushrooms and how to identify them. Edible mushrooms can be brought home to prepare, cook and eat. The forays are open to members of the Alberta Mycological Society only and require advanced registration to attend.

Our forays are held throughout Alberta with specific regional coordinators in the Red Deer, Calgary and Edmonton areas. Federal Parks, Provincial Parks and Natural Conservancy Habitats all require permits to pick mushrooms, and our foray coordinator makes sure those permits are arranged and approved. Picking mushrooms on private land and private property require special permission from the property land owners, which are also organized and received in advance.

The AMS is passionate about learning and documenting mycological behaviour across Alberta. You can email our Foray Coordinator by sending a message to ForayCoordinator@albertamushrooms.ca if you are interested in hosting a foray or would like to request the AMS to host a foray on your behalf. Please note that foray and foray host requests are only considered and accepted from registered AMS members. 

Keep an eye out for our emails and the Events calendar to see our upcoming scheduled forays!

So What Do I Bring to a Foray?

We recommend that you prepare for the foray. Wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and sturdy footwear. Bring a basket, mesh bag or paper bags for your mushrooms (avoid plastic bags). Most of all bring yourself with an open mind and the enthusiasm to learn about these great species in your region!

Please refer to our Foray Guidelines below for a list of other supplies that will come in handy!

What about Registration and possibly COVID-19?

The Alberta Mycological Society (AMS) holds the safety of our members paramount and we ensure compliance with Alberta Health Service Guidelines. Although almost all Covid-19 restrictions are lifted in Alberta, AMS forays are led by volunteers.  Certain foray hosts and leaders may request some public health restrictions – please honour their requests. The number of participants at each foray may be limited, at the discretion of our volunteer hosts and leaders. At any Mushroom Foray, the following rules must be adhered to:

• All participants may be asked to register prior to the foray. All participants check in / check out on the day of the foray and sign a waiver for insurance purposes.
• Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness should not participate, and may be asked to leave.
• Participants must abide by all current Alberta Health Services restrictions on socializing.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Foray Coordinator by emailing: ForayCoordinator@albertamushrooms.ca.