Our Mission
To promote mycology as an avocation.
The Illinois Mycological Association is a group of fungal enthusiasts that meets frequently to learn about fungi through talks presented by experts, and to look for, identify and document fungi such as mushrooms. We have monthly meetings with invited speakers. There are special events, such as our workshops, annual show, and annual banquet.
The purposes of the Association shall be to promote mycology as an avocation among its
members and the general public, and to assist in the development of the science of mycology. These purposes shall be served by meetings and other means of communication, by group field experiences, and by projects designed to enhance amateur mycology in Illinois.
Monthly Meetings
The IMA meets at 7:30 PM on the first Monday of each month from March to December. The September meeting is usually on the Tuesday following Labor Day. Check the events pages for locations.
At our meetings, we typically have a presenter talking about some aspect of wild mushrooms, fungi, or related topic. Members may bring fresh found fungi for identification and display. Like surveys, this is a good time to learn about different species and when they are found.
Forays
During the mushroom season (mid April to early November) the IMA conducts frequent surveys. These are most often in the Chicago region, but are sometimes further afield and may include weekend trips.
We gather at a predetermined site and venture into the woods to collect samples of fungi (and gather edibles where permitted). We return to our meeting point to look over our fungi for identification and discussion.
Education and Fun
Meet people who share your interests and expand your knowledge of mycology. As a result, you may add new edibles to the ones you normally hunt, learn new tips, and add to your circle of fungal friends.
Our programs and other events will expand your understanding of the Kingdom of Fungi. They are really unlike plants and animals, having their own lifestyles as decomposers, mutualists, or parasites.
Our Team of Officers and Volunteers
Matthew Nelsen
Matt serves on the Board as President, chairing the Board meetings and helping with announcements at the monthly general meetings. He is a Research Scientist at the Field Museum, and his work seeks to document and characterize the diversity and evolution of a wide range of fungal lineages and symbioses.
Catherine Lambrecht
Catherine is in charge of planning programs and finding speakers for the monthly meetings. She also helps with logistics for special events and activities with visiting mycologists. In addition Catherine handles the social media outlets for IMA.
Susan Kayser
Susan serves on the board as Treasurer. She handles the month to month income from all sources as well as expenditures for the club. The Treasurer serves as a member of the Membership Committee, helping to keep track of members and dues payments.
Jeffrey O’Malley
Jeffrey attended his first IMA meeting in 2017 after having read an article on the composer John Cage’s mycological interests. He remains enamored with mycology. Now he takes minutes for board meetings and keeps his eyes peeled for fungi around the city.
Lorinda Sues
Lorinda is responsible for planning, coordination, and guiding IMA surveys. She has been active with the Illinois Mycological Association for 10 years and is a volunteer with the Field Museum Herbarium.
Volunteers
Newsletter
- Stephanie Kowalyk, Editor
Produce and distribute to members the monthly newsletter and other e-mail notices.
Membership
- Susan Kayser, Lead
Maintain membership records.
Publicity
- Catherine Lambrecht, Lead
Publicize meetings on social media and distribute press releases for special public events.
Website
- Jane Onorati, webmaster
Manage website using WordPress. Post monthly programs and other events. Contributions welcome.
Scientific Advisors
- Patrick Leacock PhD
- Gregory Mueller PhD
Assist the IMA with scientific and educational activities, including the Annual Show. Identify and curate fungi from forays.
DuPage County Research
- Crystal McAllister. Lead
Citizen Science program of mushroom monitoring at DuPage County Forest Preserves.
Learn with us
Learn to Identify Mushrooms and Other Fungi
Members will show you how to look for mushrooms and other fungi, how to identify them, and how to use field guides. Learn the best edible mushrooms, as well as similar, inedible, or poisonous fungi.
Receive Monthly Newsletter
Members receive a great digital monthly newsletter with details on meetings and surveys. It also includes articles, recipes, research, art and information on additional events.
Contribute as a Citizen Scientist
Help us find and document mushrooms and other fungi around Chicago and the Midwest. Mycologists work with us at surveys, meetings, and workshops.