Celebrate the richness of autumn mushrooms in Illinois, 9/3

Celebrate the richness of autumn mushrooms in Illinois with an exhibit featuring many local varieties of fungi. This event will be located in the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center on Sunday, September 3, 2017 from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm.

Members of the Illinois Mycological Association (IMA) will provide information and answer questions regarding fungi. Public lectures on mushroom cultivation and ecological impact of fungi will be presented. A children's education area will be available and mushroom books, socks, t-shirts, and other mushroom merchandise will be for sale. We are proud to host a special exhibit of Hidden Threads: Fungal-Plant Partners (Cotton embroidery thread, beading, acrylic and hand made lace on dyed linen) by Lindsay Olson whose intense artistic curiosity explores the ways in which our society is supported by science and technology.

Mycology is the study of fungi including mushrooms. The Illinois Mycological Association is a group of professional and amateur mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts committed to the promotion of scientific and educational activities related to fungi. Our interests in mycology include their use by humans as a source for medicine and food. In addition, we seek a greater understanding of their benefits to natural ecosystems. One of our major goals is to educate the general public about the importance of fungi in an effort to enlighten others about these magnificent organisms. The IMA supports conservation efforts to preserve the integrity of natural areas in order to preserve and promote fungal diversity and communities.

The Annual Mushroom Show is located at the Chicago Botanic Garden at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Illinois 60022. For further information, please contact the Illinois Mycological Association at illinoismyco@gmail.com. The Mushroom Show is free, though there is a fee for parking at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

Join us for a fun, educational, and family-oriented introduction to fungi!