About Illinois Mycological Association (IMA)

The Illinois Mycological Association is made up of professional and amateure mycologists in and around the Chicago area.  The group is dedicated to promoting the love for all things mushrooms amongst its members and the general public.  During the mushroom season from April to October, the IMA conducts frequent mushroom hunting forays.  The group meets at a designated meeting place then heads out into the woods to collect their mushrooms.  After that, the group meets up at the same place to lay out their mushrooms for identification and discussion.

Becoming a IMA member

A basic individual membership costs $20 annually.  A family can register for $25 per year.  You can register for the September to December season for $10.  They also offer a corporate membership for $150.  The corporate membership comes with ads in their newsletter.

Activities and benefits of a membership are as follows:

• Access to their lecture series of events
• A copy of their monthly newsletter
• Ability to join Surveys
  • Specific permitted forays to gather mushrooms for the purpose of research and education only.
• Membership discounts
  • North American Mycological Association

You can register to become a member on their website, HERE.

IMA Special Events

The IMA holds many events in addition to their monthly forays and surveys.  They include: 

• An annual trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden
• An annual member slide show
• As well as various educational meet-ups

Staying up to date

The IMA has several social media accounts.  Their Facebook page and YouTube channel are currently the most up to date.  The Illinois Mycological Association Facebook Group has almost 2k members and  would be a great place for information.  Becoming a member will get you access to the monthly email.  The IMA also has an exceptional website that is kept very up to date as well.

If you live in or around the Chicago area, the Illinois Mycological Association is an excellent organization to get involved with if you want to expand your knowledge of mushrooms and to meet some like minded individuals.