Mycological Society of Toronto 

The Mycological Society of Toronto is a non-profit club for amateur mycologists and others with an interest in wild mushrooms and other fungi, centred in Toronto, Canada. Our activities are open to members and one time guests. Learn more about us:

• to get Information about our Society, about its Programs and Events, please use the Index to the left to view contents of this site. These are linked to pages with the relevant information. Also, for current information see Current News below.
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• to request information by e-mail about a mushroom or attending a Foray as a one-time guest, point-and-click on Forays 
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• to request information by e-mail about attending a Meeting as a one-time guest, point-and-click on Meetings
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• CURRENT NEWS

• NOTICE!  The 2007-2008 ANNUAL MEETING will be held on Monday, APRIL 21st, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., at the Toronto Botanical Garden. (777 Lawrence St. East. at Leslie St., SW corner) During the evening a visual presentation of the "Mushrooms of Newfoundland" will be given. (A number of MST members traipsed off during the 2007 fall season and the presentation will give some of their experiences and visuals of fungi found on the "Rock").

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• NEW!  2008 Spring Forays have now been posted. Members will be receiving their spring forays schedule, showing driving directions to the meeting places, along with the Spring newsletter in April. (See index for: Forays and Meetings & Special Events)

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• NEW! Spring Special Event, the Gourmet Mushroom Feast for MST Members will be held on May 12, 2008. Send in your reservation early! (For Dinner Menu, See index: Forays, Meetings & Special Events)
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• NEW!  The annual Cain Foray will be held in Muskoka during the weekend of September 19-21st, 2008. Although last year did not prove to be as fruitful as the previous one, due mainly to the fairly dry and warm Summer that we experienced, foragers did well in the hunt and enjoyed themselves at the event. A listing of all species identified is available for viewing. (For those particulars, see the Index: Cain Foray).
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• NEW!  2007 Fall Forays Collections have now been posted. Click on  Fall Forays   
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• 2007 Spring Forays: Identified species collected from May 6th to June 3rd from the various foray locations have now been listed! (See Index for: Foray Collections, Reports and Photo Gallery).
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• FYI   For upcoming 2007-2008 Meetings, point-and-click on Meetings in the index for particulars. These are updated when speakers are confirmed for each event.
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• FYI   The 2006/2007 Annual Meeting was held Monday, April 23rd, 2007 in the Garden Hall Auditorium at the Toronto Botanical Garden. The special presentation titled, "FUNGI IN FOCUS" was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. MST has many members who are not only passionate about mushrooms, but are also enthusiastic photographers. Some of our Foray leaders and amateur photographers were invited to share their favourite photos from the past year. It ended with a member's video, a light-hearted display of mushrooms and their collectors, all set to some whimsical  music! 
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• FYI  A record of Speakers at Past Meetings held between years  2004-2007 can be located at the end of posted schedule of Meetings. (See Meetings in the index).
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• FYI  Last year's 2006 Fall Program at the Toronto Botanical Garden, "Mushroom Identification Mondays", was offered as a replacement for the Fall "Fungi Fair". It was held for members who were unable to attend forays on preceding weekends but still wanted to have their own weekend finds identified. Although enjoyable to those who attended the program, it will not be repeated because of sparse participation.
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• FYI  The MST was asked to participate and lead a foray, "Fungus Amongst Us", in Col. Danforth Park, as part of the Highland Creek Community Stewardship Program with the objectives of providing the public with a discussion of the various species of Fungi, and the role they play in forest health in the Highland Creek watershed. A 2006 Fungal Inventory of Col. Danforth Park has now been reported and can be accessed through Foray Collections, Reports and Photos in the index. As well  in 2006, the MST was given approval by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to carry out similar inventories during the summer and fall in both Cold Creek Conservation Area and Glen Major and Walker Woods. Inventories of these can also be accessed from the site as mentioned above.
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• FYI   Schedules of annual Fall and Spring Forays  will be updated prior to each season.
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• FYI  Our Fall Fungi Fair was discontinued in 2004 due to low attendance.   
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• FYI   In the Index, please review the Recreation Policy information  Part 1 and Part 2, submitted by Terry Kirk, MST member, on behalf of Simcoe County Forest. Gathering of mushrooms, fiddleheads and other naturally occurring edibles and medicinal plants have been growing at a rapid rate. Although considered a healthy and  harmless activity, there is a concern among experts that over harvesting may impact the sustainability of some species in some localities. Appropriate harvesting practices will be investigated by naturalists to educate users. Their recommendations are that harvesting non-wood forest products be permitted for personal use only, but the County reserves the right to restrict harvesting if warranted. There is concern with safety for mushroomers, so be aware  that forests are used by other groups as well. Other uses being Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting and Fishing, and Logging Operations. Signs must be read and obeyed. 
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  In case of mushroom poisoning, contact your local Poison Centre. In Toronto, call (416) 813-5900.

Last updated 30/03/08