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I understand that many fungi grow on decaying wood. Until a few days ago, I was unaware that wood decay could be either brown rot or white rot, depending upon the type of wood and the fungus. Dr. Tom Volk’s presentation “Wood Decay, Good Decay?” was so entertaining, I’m amazed at how much I actually learned.

When I decided to attend my very first NEMF (North East Mycological Federation) foray, I knew I’d be meeting some of the stars of the mushroom world. I had no idea how accessible, friendly and creative these esteemed professionals are; I was invited to perform in a one-act play with the authors who have signed my copies of their field guides.

Had I attended NEMF last year, I would have met the Mushroom Guru, Sam Ristich. I did meet his widow and his youngest daughter. I’ll never have a signed copy of SAM’s CORNER, but I can watch videos of Sam leading nature walks and I can read his words.

During the day, I could either go out into the field and collect samples to be verified by experts, or attend a workshop, delivered by expert mycologists. I did a little of both.

Since many events ran simultaneously, I missed many of the presentations I wanted to attend. I also only hiked the hills of my Connecticut twice, less than I’d hoped.

Dianna Smith’s new FungiPhotos site has a more comprehensive account of the many events at this foray. I aspire to her skill as a photographer and as a mycologist.

I am delighted that my friend Joe Brandt was credited with discovering a polypore, Antrodia radiculosa, that had not been seen in mycology circles in 30 years. Joe is dedicated to mycophagy, so it’s ironic that he was the one to find a non-edible fungus.

I like eating mushrooms best, but am blown away by Volk’s research into mushrooms for bioremediation. Imagine mushrooms developing the ability to decompose plastic.

I was equally impressed by Susan Hopkins, who specializes in making dyes from mushrooms. She’s an accomplished mycologist and fiber artists with more talent in one fingertip than I have in my whole body. I had to tell the folks at Hawk Circle about her.

Bill Bakaitis presented a really user-friendly program on edible mushrooms and their toxic look-alikes. Even experts can make mistakes, so I plan to put effort into constant learning and review of what I think I know about edible mushrooms.

After dinner, mycologists put the FUN in fungi. One night, I got to perform on stage with Gary Lincoff, Roger Phillips, Ursulla Hoffman, Dianna Smith and others in Lincoff’s witty satire THE FAUSTIAN MYCOLOGIST.

Each evening ended with a networking social. Since I met many people for the first time, I’m sure I’ll be remembered in NEMF circles as a “Mushroom Fairy.” I can live with that. Revisiting Lincoff’s cleverly written lines is still fun. I got to keep a copy of the script.

I heard Roger Phillips’s name often at Mushroom University; I visit Roger’sMushrooms regularly. It’s not surprising that he’s also a forager. I’ll always treasure Roger’s cheerful message in my copy of MUSHROOMS and OTHER FUNGI of NORTH AMERICA.

NEMF attendees also included a number of rising stars in mycology, many very experienced mycologists and enough newbies to ensure the future of this organization. What everyone seems to have in common is the joy of discovery, a delight in learning and a passionate motivation to extend the boundaries of what is know about fungi.

“Fight for the fungi!” Roger Phillips proclaimed in his presentation the final evening. According to Phillips, there is fungal evidence dating back 460 million years; Phillips is dedicated to documenting every plant and fungus in the world.

The final event is a tour of the tables displaying the identified fungi collected during the foray. I thought I heard someone say that 314 separate species were identified. I listened attentively as Roz Lowen, Tom Volk and Gary Lincoff explained details of the displayed fungi in their respective groups.

I had fun getting this shot of Dianna Smith videotaping Gary Lincoff as he described highlights of the bolete group.

As climate change accelerates, causing the extinction of many species, I am grateful for the mycologists who share their discoveries and their passion for the world of fungi. I am also profoundly grateful to the pioneers of mycology for sharing their discoveries with the people who are now my mentors. With any luck, I’ll build my skills and pass that knowledge along to others.