We recently hosted the most unique retreat we've ever had, and once we learned more about this group, I just knew we needed to get more info and share with you all, too! I hope you find this as educational as I did. And who knows, maybe it will inspire you to pursue a new hobby with this fun group! I had the opportunity to chat with the president of the Arizona Mushroom Society, and am sharing information from our conversation.
The Arizona Mushroom Club began several decades ago under the leadership of founder and president, Dr. Chester Leathers. After his retirement, several other founding members retired from official leadership roles along with him. On December 10th 2015, at the annual holiday potluck and meeting, the Club has voted to dissolve itself and reorganize as the Arizona Mushroom Society, Inc., a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Arizona nonprofit corporation. Christopher May, MD was appointed interim President of the Club. The official mission statement of the Arizona Mushroom Society is: "To provide educational, charitable and scientific outreach to novices and new residents of Arizona, and education of intermediate and advanced mycophiles through mushroom forays and workshops."
Choosing Strawberry as a retreat location
Arizona Mushroom Society President Michael Colosimo and fellow board member Jess Starwood had a wild idea to do something Arizona has never seen before. A boutique culinary focused mushroom foray and event, with famous mushroom chefs!. After floating this idea to the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), a partnership was formed. The Strawberry Inn was able to check all the boxes for the group. It was quaint, had boutique style, and (most importantly) near the Mogollon Rim foray locations. For the kitchen needs, the group was able to use the space at The Strawberry Lodge, conveniently located just across the street.
Foraging Discoveries in Strawberry
The Town of Strawberry is located in an ecotone, which is a region of transition between two biological communities. These are some of the most biodiverse areas due to the overlapping habitat, and as a result provide for a diversity of foraging opportunities. In the Strawberry area, this means you have foragables from the pinon-juniper-oak woodlands, Ponderosa pine forests, and streamside areas that form a patchwork around Rim Country communities. The result is a cornucopia of wild edible foods such as pinon nuts, pine pollen, acorns, manzanita berries, wild grapes, currant berries, and wild understory greens, all of which were important staples for indigenous groups in the area for centuries.
Getting involved in Foraging
If foraging is something that interests you, The Arizona Mushroom Society makes it easy to get involved. Visit https://www.arizonamushroomsociety.org/ and become a member! Once a member, you'll have access to forays within mushroom season, educational zoom presentations and events. Also on facebook join the group "Arizona Mushroom Forum".
https://namyco.org/ is the North American Mycological Associations website.
Important Safety Information
When mushroom foraging, education is key. Do not eat unidentified mushrooms, ever! Join the society, go on forays, learn from the experts, ask questions in the facebook group, buy books! (be on the lookout for AI generated books, they are not recommended.) A great book, although a bit outdated is "All that the rain promises and more" by David Arora.
Final Notes
I love that we were able to provide such a great hub for this unique retreat for the Arizona Mushroom Society! If you're looking to put together your own retreat for your business, family reunion, church group, or anything else, we'd love to chat! And as always, see you 'berry soon!
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