Background

The Cascade Mycological Society grew out of a large and involved community of fungi devotees in and around Lane County who had benefitted from and put energies into first-rate mycological activities such as the annual Mt. Pisgah Mushroom Festival and excellent courses at Lane Community College. Missing a local organization to follow in the traditions of the Emerald Mycological Society of the 1970’s, and after several years of informal gatherings, we incorporated as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization in 1999. The vision statement of CMS is:

  1. to study fungi;
  2. to educate members and the public about fungi identification and ecology;
  3. to promote the conservation of fungi;
  4. to promote health and safety in the gathering and consumption of edible fungi; and last but not least,
  5. to have fun!

Accomplishments 1999/2000:

In our first year, CMS accomplished A LOT:

  • Formed the Board of Directors and a healthy preliminary membership
  • Conducted regular Board meetings.
  • Conducted 6 general meetings with excellent speakers on topics such as identification of edibles, ecology, monitoring and sustainable harvest, and “mushrooms around the house”
  • Raised funds to finalize incorporation as a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.
  • Sponsored the visually stunning Taylor Lockwood multi-media fungi show.
  • Adopted formal by-laws; revised formal by-laws; re-revised formal by-laws!
  • Collected for and helped organize the Mt. Pisgah Mushroom Show
  • Led 3 forays (Fall, to the coast; Fall jointly with North American Truffling Society; and Spring, to the Cascades).
  • Sent comments on the ecological effects to fungi proposed in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to the President’s Forest Plan.
  • Began forming reciprocal relationships with other mycological societies in the region.
  • Initiated the CMS web site, e-mail membership and volunteer lists
  • Developed logo, letterhead, and brochure
  • Began work with the Forest Service for cooperative research on the rare fungus Bridgeoporus nobilissimus.
  • Welcomed the Eugene District Bureau of Land Management as our first Institutional Member.
  • Honored longtime Lane Community College mentor Freeman Rowe as Member for Life.
  • Had lots of good times, great pot-lucks, and by-law moments!!!
  • Launched the new CMS newsletter!!

Accomplishments 2000/2001:

  • Membership drive: “Operation Hyphae”
  • More great times, great pot-lucks, educational events, and gatherings!!!
  • More forays and walks, species lists and new finds.
  • Resume Monthly general meetings with stellar speakers and presentations.
  • Our first general meeting this year is September 14th, 7:30. Lane Community College Forum Building, room 308. Everyone is welcome.
  • Beautiful, expanded, and interactive web site!!!
  • Mt. Pisgah Mushroom Show even more displays, CMS booth, and more!!!
  • CMS T-shirts (look for them at the Mushroom Show)
  • Board Elections.
  • Development and dissemination of research opportunities.
  • Conservation and ecological work.
  • Taylor Lockwood multi-media show “Treasures from the Kingdom of Fungi.”
  • More coordination with other mycological societies, regionally and nationally.