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North American Mycological Association (NAMA)

What is NAMA:

  • The North American Mycological Association (NAMA) is a non-profit organization of professional and amateur mycologists with over 75 affiliated mycological societies in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  • NAMA is committed and dedicated to the promotion of scientific and educational activities related to fungi.
  • NAMA supports the protection of natural areas and their biological integrity.
  • NAMA advocates the sustainable use of mushrooms as a resource and endorses the responsible mushroom collecting that does not harm the fungi or their habitats.

What NAMA Does:

  • Conferences — Holds an annual conference/foray in different parts of North America, often with short courses in mycology, always with lectures by professional mycologists.
  • Regional forays — Sponsors intimate gatherings limited to 40 NAMA members where learning and social time are encouraged.
  • Newsletter — Publishes The Mycophile, which gives mycological news and reports, notice of events of interest to members, reviews of recent books, and poison information.
  • Journal — Publishes McIlvainea, a peer reviewed journal, with scientific papers on all aspects of fungi, toxicology reports, and topics of general interest - with articles by leading professional and amateur mycologists.
  • Photo Contest — Conducts an annual photo contest and publishes the results.
  • Educational Programs — Provides teaching kits and activities for K-12 grade levels and professionally produced CDs for club use.
  • Scholarship — NAMA funds an annual fellowship with the Mycological Society of America to promising graduate students in mycology.
  • Speakers Bureau — Maintains a list of over 50 speakers who are available to give programs for affiliated clubs.
  • Toxicology — Provides expertise in mushroom poisioning information on the web and through a group of identifiers for doctors and veterinarians.
  • Directories — Publishes an annual directory of members (alphabetical and by location), officers, committee contacts, and an updated list of mushroom clubs.
  • Discussion groups:

Why you should join NAMA:

  • Increase your knowledge of mushrooms and other fungi.
  • Keep informed about activities in the field of mycology.
  • Be in contact with people who have a similar interest in mycology, whether it is taxonomy, ecology, toxicity, mycophagy or the many other practical uses of fungi.

There is much more on the NAMA website: www.namyco.org including the only updated directory of mushroom clubs in North America, a comprehensive section on mushroom cultivation, a calendar of upcoming events, and more. We also host a page on Facebook! for the most up to date notices and information.

Join NAMA Today through BAMS

Join NAMA now!

A single NAMA membership covers two adults and children under 18 living in the same household. You may join though BAMS or join directly. BAMS membership entitles you to the $25 discounted rate.

You can now join or renew your NAMA dues online!

Contact NAMA's Membership Secretary for more information:

Steve Bichler
6018 Illinois Lane SE, Unit B
Lacey, WA 98513-3617
Phone: 360-259-5231
Email