Our Mission:
To promote mycology as an avocation.
The Illinois Mycological Association is a group of fungal enthusiasts that meets frequently to learn about fungi through talks presented by experts, and to look for, identify and document fungi such as mushrooms. We have monthly meetings with invited speakers. There are special events, such as our workshops, annual show, and annual banquet.
Surveys
During the mushroom season (mid April to early November) the IMA conducts frequent surveys. These are most often in the Chicago region, but are sometimes further afield and may include weekend trips. We gather at a predetermined site and venture into the woods to collect samples of fungi (and gather edibles where permitted). We return to our meeting point to look over our fungi for identification and discussion.
Education and Fun
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 new tips, and add to your circle of fungal friends. Our programs and other events will expand your understanding of the Kingdom of Fungi. They are really unlike plants and animals, having their own lifestyles as decomposers, mutualists, or parasites.
Our Team of Officers and Volunteers
Matthew Nelsen
PRESIDENT
Matt serves on the Board as President, chairing the Board meetings and helping with announcements at the monthly general meetings. He is a Research Scientist at the Field Museum, and his work seeks to document and characterize the diversity and evolution of a wide range of fungal lineages and symbioses.
mpnelsen.com
Catherine Lambrecht
VICE PRESIDENT AND PROGRAM CHAIR
Catherine is in charge of planning programs and finding speakers for the monthly meetings. She also helps with logistics for special events and activities with visiting mycologists. In addition Catherine handles the social media outlets for IMA.
Lorinda Sues
TREASURER
Lorinda is the IMA treasurer and manages memberships. She has been active with the Illinois Mycological Association for 10 years, is the past survey chair, and is also a volunteer with the Field Museum Herbarium.
Drew Hulburt
SECRETARY
Drew has been a member of the Illinois Mycological Association since 2013, but started with the Myco Association of Washington, D.C. in 2010. After taking minutes for IMA board meetings, he enjoys attending forays and fishing, hiking and camping. An avid gardener, growing spicy peppers and tomatoes are his favorites. He also enjoys reading Sci-Fi/Fantasy, watching movies and road trips.
Liz Weinstein
SURVEY CHAIR
Liz is responsible for planning, coordinating, and guiding IMA surveys. She has been active with the Illinois Mycological Association for 5 years, is also a member of the Wisconsin Mycological Society, is the Photographer on the Visual Arts Committee for NAMA ,and is a volunteer with the Field Museum Herbarium. She has also been selected as a 2023 Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence, where she will be photographing, surveying, and documenting mushrooms and fungi of the island’s unique biota. You can check out her daily fungi photos on Instagram at @mushroomphotography.
Volunteers:
NEWSLETTER
Stephanie Kowalyk, Editor
Produce and distribute the monthly newsletter and other email notices to members.
MEMBERSHIP
Lorinda Sues, Lead
Maintain membership records.
PUBLICITY
Catherine Lambrecht, Lead
Publicize meetings on social media and distribute press releases for special public events.
WEBSITE
Erin LaRocque and Sarah Rooney
Manage website, post monthly programs and other events.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS
Patrick Leacock PhD
Gregory Mueller PhD
Assist the IMA with scientific and educational activities, including the Annual Show. Identify and curate fungi from surveys.
DUPAGE COUNTY RESEARCH
Crystal McAllister,
Lead Citizen Science program of mushroom monitoring at DuPage County Forest Preserves.