New Mexico Mycological Society   -   May 2001   -   MycoWest.net
NMMS May Meeting
    Our meeting on May 1st will be at 7:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) of the Natural History Museum. I would like to devote a some time to discussing Field Trips--both past and future. The program will be NAMA slide collection titled Amanitas of the Pacific Northwest.
A Week in April with Nancy Weber
    Nancy Smith Weber graced our April meeting with her lecture "After the Ashes Cool: A look at post-fire fungi." NMMS members who were unable to attend the meeting may still view her talk on VHS video. Dr. Weber's presentation Tuesday night was only the beginning of a wonderful week of fungal activities.
  • On Thursday the 5th we met at some of the areas scorched by last year's Cerro Grande fire. Species of Peziza and Geopyxis greeted us in abundance.
  • Ellen & Bill Reed hosted an informal turkey dinner Friday evening. It provided and excellent opportunity for members to socialize with each other and with our guest, Nancy Weber.
  • Saturday morning we headed into the Sandias to visit areas from 7400 to 8600 ft. The higher elevations still retained a good amount of fresh snow from Thursday and Friday's precipitation. The trip was quite pleasant and informative and not entirely unproductive.
  • Thank you to Ellen and Bill Reed for their hospitality, Pat Brannen for coordinating Dr. Weber's visit, and particularly to Nancy Weber for spending time with us.
    • Field Trips { http://www.swcp.com/mycowest/fieldtrp }
        We have held two successful Field Trips so far this year--one to Los Alamos and another in the Sandias (mentioned above). I intend to return to both areas in the weeks to come.
        This is the fifth year I have posted Field Trip information on our Website, and it seems as though very few members have taken advantage of this information. So once again, I strongly encourage those members who can to visit the Field Trip pages for details on both past and future outings. Depending on the results of Saturday's (April 28th) visit to Los Alamos, we may return there on Sunday, May 6th. I plan to discuss that at the upcoming meeting.
        Although there has been considerable enthusiasm expressed concerning Field Trips, it seems I am the only member who has offered to lead any this year. Other members who would like to contribute to these efforts are welcome to contact me, and I will happily distribute the details of their proposed excursion(s).
    Cerro Grande Post-Burn Survey
        Randy Balice has completed and submitted to the NPS a proposal for the survey of fungal growth in the aftermath of the Cerro Grande burn. More information on the study is available from the Los Alamos Studies Index on the MycoWest Website
    { http://www.swcp.com/mycowest/la-study }
    July Meeting in Santa Fe?
        The NMMS July meeting is scheduled for the 3rd. I suspect that attendance might be less than optimal, and so unless I hear some objection, I think I will cancel the regular July meeting. However, in its stead I would like to schedule a meeting in or near Santa Fe for sometime in July. Therefore, I am asking for any proposals or suggestions about both a time and a place to meet, as well as how members feel about this plan.
    Annual Foray
        I have nothing new to report on the Chama Foray. We have not determined a fee yet, but hope to do so soon. Please remember that El Mesón will hold our block of rooms only until June 15th, so it is important to make your reservation by that deadline. All Foray details are available on the Foray Webpage{ http://www.swcp.com/mycowest/foray/nmforay.htm }
    Valles Caldera Public Meetings in Albuquerque
  • May 7 - Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
  • May 8 - Sheraton Old Town
    • The Trustees will host a listening session on the night of May 7 from 6:00-8:30 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. The listening session provides a forum for the public to address the Trustees with comments and suggestions on the future management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
        The Valles Caldera Board of Trustees will also conduct a public meeting on May 8 at the Sheraton Old Town from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Topics to be addressed include personnel actions, committee reports, budget matters, and organizational issues. This is a business meeting for the Trustees and the opportunity for limited public comment is dependent on the agenda.
  • More information at { http://www.swcp.com/mycowest/polit/vc010420.htm }

    • Mountain Mushrooms of Colorado
        Dr. Jack States informs us that he will be teaching a class in Aspen this summer.
  • Course Name: Mountain Mushrooms of Colorado
  • August 14-15, 9 am- 4 pm
  • Held at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) in Aspen, CO
  • $50/day, $45/day for ACES members
  • CDE or college credit available
  • Description from ACES 2001 Brochure:
    •     Foray into meadows and forests of aspen, spruce, and fir, to discover mountain fungi in their natural habitats. You will learn about the natural history, biology, and ecology of mushrooms while practicing identification techniques for edible, inedible, and poisonous varieties. The skills and information introduced in this course will benefit anyone intrigued by these fleshy fungi whether you are a beginner or an experienced "mushoomer". For information about summer programs at ACES, call 970.925.5756 or visit their online site { http://www.aspennature.org }