What is a foray?
All mycological societies sponsor field trips to
mushroom habitats, called
"forays", the purpose of which is to gather, learn about, and identify wild
mushrooms.
What happens at a LAMS foray?
After arriving at the designated foray location the foray leader
gives a brief orientation to the foray site and answers any questions
participants might have. If a foray site is known to harbor hazards,
such as poison
oak, that will be mentioned and anyone unfamiliar with
poison oak will be offered the opportunity to see it and learn how to
recognize it.
In accordance with LAMS policy a liability release is given to each
participant to complete and sign. Parents or guardians must sign for
participating minors.
The foray leader then guides the group into the habitat to find
whatever mushrooms may be found.
After the foray there will be an opportunity to identify the
mushrooms found, although it is never possible to identify EVERY mushroom
found by EVERY participant.
Is there a charge for participating in the foray?
Unless stated otherwise, there is no charge for participation in a
LAMS foray. We do ask that if you enjoyed the foray and would
like to participate again that you consider joining
LAMS.
I noticed that some forays have a limit on the
number of participants. Why?
Some foray locations have limited parking or other
factors that would make it difficult or impossible to hold a foray with
more than a certain number of participants. To ensure a safe and
enjoyable foray for everyone, we sometimes have to set a limit on the
number of participants. In every case where there is a limited
number of openings for a foray, LAMS
members will have a three day window to sign up before the foray is
open to the general public. In some cases this means that the
foray may not have any openings for the public.
What should I wear to a foray?
For most forays you should wear clothing such as you might wear if
you were going to be gardening, hiking or engaged in any similar outdoor
activity. Shoes should be sturdy and comfortable with flat heels. Boots
with waffle soles are recommended for all forays with an Activity
Rating of 2 or 3. Even on warm days long pants, long-sleeved
shirts and cotton gloves are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED as they will help protect you from
poison oak, scratchy brush, ticks and sunburn. A hat is also recommended
for protection from the sun and overhead branches.
A jacket is also recommended as weather may change
quickly even on
warm days.
What else should I bring to a foray?
For collecting: A sturdy container such as a wicker basket or plastic bucket is
recommended to carry your finds. Plastic shopping bags are NOT
RECOMMENDED. A garden trowel or digging tool will help excavate your
finds and an inexpensive steak knife and brush will help you trim and
clean them. Bring wax paper to wrap and protect your finds. Bring a
mushroom field guide if you have one. Many people also bring a camera to
photograph mushrooms, plants, or animals they encounter. A pocket
sized notebook is useful for recording details of where a particular
mushroom was found and for recording information about any photographs
you might have taken.
For yourself: Bring lunch, or at least a snack.
Bring a bottle
of drinking water. Toilet paper is also recommended as restrooms are not
located at most foray sites.
What other preparations do you recommend?
Bring your cell phone, if you have one, and make sure it
is fully charged. Make sure your car has adequate fuel, as many
foray sites are located 10, sometimes 20 miles or more, from the nearest gas
station. Check your spare tire to see if it is fully inflated and bring
an extra set of car keys.
May I bring friends or family members if they are interested?
Yes. Children are welcome, but forays with an Activity
Rating of 2 or 3 are probably too tiring for most children younger
than 10.
Are dogs permitted on LAMS forays?
Subject to the discretion of the foray leader, dogs may be
permitted if well-behaved toward people and other dogs, AND on a leash. Foray locations are not
"off-leash areas". Be aware that dogs may pick up poison oak
resin or ticks in their fur and potentially transfer them to you or other people.
