Join the IMA
Printer-friendly versionMember Directory
We publish an annual directory of members to make it easy to contact the people you meet at IMA events.
N.A.M.A.
As a member of the IMA, you may join the North American Mycological Association at a discounted rate of $32.00.
N.A.M.A. sponsors a national foray with classes, contests, and opportunities to work and talk with mycological professionals. N.A.M.A. also publishes a bimonthly newsletter and an annual journal.
Monthly Meetings
The IMA meets at 7:30PM at the North Park Nature Center on the first Monday of each month and the first Tuesday in September. No meetings in January, February or July.
North Park Nature Center is located at 5801 N. Pulaski in Chicago which is east of I-94 (Eden's) between Foster and Peterson. There is a stoplight at the entrance where you will turn east and follow the signs going left all the way back to the meeting site. Parking is free across the driveway from the Nature Center, which has a demonstration prairie growing in front.
At our meetings, we typically have an expert talking about mycology or we may have a chef preparing wild mushrooms. A highlight of the December meeting is where our members show slides of mushrooms they have found during the year.
Specimen Table
The speciment table is an essential part of every meeting. Members bring fresh found fungi for identification or to show and tell. Like forays, this is a good time to learn about different species and where and when they are found.
Forays
During the mushroom season -- mid April to early November IMA conducts frequent mushroom hunting forays, most often in the Chicagoland area, but sometimes we venture farther afield for choice specimens.
We gather at a predetermined location in a wooded area and fan out into the woods to collect samples of mushrooms and gather edibles. We return to our assembly and lay out our mushrooms to show off our finds and to identify them.
If you are new to mushrooming IMA members will show you how and where to look, how to identify your finds and how to use reference books to classify them. We will point out the best edible mushrooms and how to distinguish them from similar, unpalatable or poisonous fungi.
If you are an experienced mushroomer, you will 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 about new areas to find your favorites and add to your circle of fungi friends.
Printer-friendly versionAnnual dues are $20 for individuals and $25 for families, payable to IMA. and entitles you to receive the IMA Newsletter published nine times a year and to participate in all IMA activities. IMA meets at 7:30 PM on the first Monday of each month and the first Tuesday in September. No meetings in January, February, and July.
Please mail your check payable to the Illinois Mycological Association to:
Susan Kayser, 1020 Willow Creek Road, West Chicago IL, 60185
To join NAMA as well, include a separate check for $32 payable to NAMA.
IMA members also receive a $10 discount on Chicago Botanic Garden memberships. On your membership application simply mention that you are a member of the Illinois Mycological Association.
- IMA August Meeting - Speaker Dr. Carrie Andrew(3 days)
- Illinois Mycological Association Show & Sale(37 days)
- IMA Monthly Meeting: Labor Day special;(39 days)
- IMA Monthly Meeting: Jerald Pataky(66 days)
- IMA Monthly Meeting(94 days)
- IMA Monthly Meeting/Seasonal Party(129 days)
