Mycological Society of Toronto 

  In case of mushroom poisoning, contact your local Poison Centre. In Toronto, call (416) 813-5900.

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: Please read!

• 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 information see Current News below.
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• To Request Information to attend a Foray as a one-time guest, or receive information about a mushroom, point-and-click on the word Forays 
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• To Request Information about attending a Meeting as a one-time guest, point-and-click on the word Meetings
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• CURRENT NEWS  

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• NEW! The 2010 FALL FORAYS Schedule of dates and places is now available. (See index for details: Forays and Meetings & Special Events)
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• NEW!  The Vello Soots Memorial Cain Foray is being held in Muskoka during the weekend of September 17th-19th, 2010.  A listing of all species identified at past Cain forays 2004-2009 in the same area is available for viewing. (For those particulars, see the Index: click on Cain Foray).

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• NEW! The  2010 Summer Foray on May 10th in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Area yielded over 30 species. View the report using the index.   (See Index for: Foray Collections, Reports and Photo Gallery)
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• Identified species from the 2010 Spring Forays have now been posted. The first foray began Saturday, May 1st. (See Index for: Foray Collections, Reports and Photo Gallery)
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• MST's 2010 Gourmet Mushroom Dinner. This special May event is always a sell-out and members spent a delightful evening of fine dining and socializing.  (See index for Special Event details: Forays and Meetings & Special Events)
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• MST's Annual General Meeting took place on  April 19, 2010, at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Our guest speaker was Dr. Jack Hay, Professor Emeritus, Department of Immunology, University of Toronto. Interest in Dr. Hay's 1000-log shiitake operation at Moon River Bay on Georgian Bay is growing. He told us of its impact on other communities and of the mycological research role now developing on his land. The next meeting for the 2010-2011 season begins in October.   (See index for meeting details: Forays and Meetings & Special Events)

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• FYI  A resource Library List of books is posted on the web site and can be accessed from the Index on the Home page. (Programs, Services, and Resource Library List page).
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• FYI  Spring Forays, the Summer Foray and Fall Forays: Identified species collected and identified at forays during May to November from the various foray locations are listed! (See Index for: Foray Collections, Reports and Photo Gallery).
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• FYI   For upcoming 2010-2011 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  A record of Speakers and a brief description of their presentations at Past Meetings held between years 2004-2009 can be viewed at the end of the current schedule of Meetings. (See Meetings in the index).
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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 mushroom display was discontinued in 2004 due to low attendance by the public.   
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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 07/09/10