Welcome
Welcome to the Mushroom Club of Georgia's website!
Purpose
The Mushroom Club of Georgia is an educational organization. Our purpose is to promote the enjoyment, study, and exchange of information about wild mushrooms. Everyone who has an interest in wild mushrooms is welcome to become a member.
To achieve our purpose we sponsor activities that include:
- Organized walks and forays to find wild mushrooms, led by knowledgeable Club members and/or expert mycologists.
- Regular programs and classes to teach scientific methods for identifying wild mushrooms.
- Recipe exchanges and special dinners to experience the culinary delights of cultivated mushrooms.
- Participation in programs to educate the public about the many aspects of mushrooms.
- Promote the cultivation of edible mushrooms.
History
The Mushroom Club of Georgia was organized in response to a growing interest in the unusual pastime of wild mushroom hunting. For many years, botany professor David Porter, Ph.D., (University of Georgia, Athens [now emeritus]) gave presentations throughout the region on the subject of wild mushrooms. As a result of his efforts and enthusiasm, by the late 1990's many people began to show an interest in learning more about this long-neglected kingdom of living things.
Dr. Porter recognized the value of a mushroom club as a means to foster a safer environment in which to learn about wild mushrooms, as well as providing a venue for shared enjoyment and appreciation. Dr. Porter's November 2003 mushroom presentation at the Georgia Native Plant Society was the catalyst and called for someone to start such a club in the Atlanta area, Mary Woehrel, a former leader of the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club.
The club held its first meeting in February 2004 with twelve people attending. Mary Woehrel served as the club’s first president. Dr. David Porter continued his support as the club’s official mycologist until his retirement from UGA and subsequent move to Maine in 2006.
Since that time and through the hard work and efforts of many volunteers, the club has grown to over 100 members. We especially thank and recognize the following people for their tireless dedication and outstanding efforts on behalf of the club; Dr. David Porter, Mary Woehrel, Dan Willis, the late Farrow Beacham, Janet Joiner, Teresa Fortenberry and all of the dedicated volunteers currently serving as officers and chairs for the club.