What is Mycology?
Mycology is Mushrooming
People hunt mushrooms for various reasons:
- to get outdoors
- for food
- for photography
- to revive or maintain ethnic traditions
- for the intellectual challenge of learning about a separate living kingdom
- for the companionship of people with shared interests
Mycology is Learning
The best way to learn about mushrooms is from knowledgeable, experienced collectors; many in the North American Mycological Association or affiliated local clubs. There are more than 60 affiliated clubs in more than 30 US states and 4 Canadian provinces; and many individual and family members throughout the continent. Mycological activities overlap with interests in Biology, Education, and Microscopy.
Joining NAMA and/or a local club is an excellent way to learn to identify and to enjoy mushrooms.
Mycology is Science
Mycology is unusual among the sciences in the interaction of professionals and amateurs. The amateur-professional dichotomy seen in many sciences is minimal in mycology. Many amateurs are amateur only in deriving their incomes from other occupations but with mycological knowledge at a professional level; and they are recognized as "parataxonomists." Some publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and are members of professional mycological societies. Several of the popular field guides have been written by such "amateurs." Many amateurs and professionals assist poison centers and emergency rooms in cases of possible poisoning, identifying mushrooms as a public service.