Illinois Mycological Association
Illinois Mycological Association (IMA)
The IMA is a Chicago-area nonprofit group for mushroom lovers, citizen scientists, foragers, and professional mycologists. It formed in 1973, evolving from the Illinois Mycological Society, and is affiliated with the North American Mycological Association.
Meetings and activities: The group meets monthly at the Niles Historical & Cultural Center (some winter months are skipped). Earlier meetings were held at the Field Museum and North Park Village Nature Center in Chicago. Each meeting typically features a talk by a professional mycologist or author and is free and open to the public. Forays (mushroom hunts) are for members and occur a few times a month from spring through fall, at places such as Kankakee River State Park. Forays help prepare displays for the Annual Mushroom Show.
Annual Mushroom Show: The free public show takes place during Labor Day weekend at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Publications: The monthly newsletter, Fungus Friends, has been published since 1993 and lists foray locations and other news.
Projects: The IMA participates in the North American Mycoflora Project to map fungi in the Chicago region.
Leadership and details: Current leaders include President Susan Kayser, Scientific Advisor Patrick Leacock, Program Chair Catherine Lambrecht, and Secretary Crystal McAllister. Founder: Marcia Mau.
Website: illinoismyco.org
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 16:12 (CET).