The Alberta Mycological Society is a non-profit organization that was founded by Prof. Randy Currah and Helene (Leni) Schalkwijk-Barendsen in 1987. From those modest beginnings and a small local membership comprised of professional and amateur mushroom lovers, the Edmonton Mycological Society has grown over the past 20 years and currently has about 170 active members from across Alberta. We changed our name from the Edmonton Mycological Society to the Alberta Mycological Society in late 2007 in response to our increasing influence in all things mycological in Alberta and our growing province-wide membership and activities.
We are a volunteer study group, whose members are fascinated by fungi. As the only mycological club in Canada’s prairie provinces, we provide education to promote an understanding and appreciation of the Kingdom of Fungi.
Ongoing activities include the study of the diversity and roles of fungi, providing educational programs to the public, seasonal forays into the Rocky Mountain foothills and southern boreal forest, mushroom identification workshops, an annual mushroom exposition («City of Champignons»), development of lists of fungi from various ecosystems across Alberta, and an annual gourmet mushroom dinner (the «President’s Dinner»).
The Alberta Mycological Society is also an Alberta Poison Liaison link and a Volunteer Steward for the Poplar Creek Natural Area near Breton. In 2006, we received the Parks and Protected Areas Outstanding Group Steward Award for our committment to the Poplar Creek Natural Area since 1992.
We welcome everyone to join our society and learn along with us about fungi.
Example of Oyster Mushrooms. Excellent quality. Photo: Hans Weissenborn