Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz

The Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz (FFSC) is a North American mycological club[1][2][3][4] that evolved as a result of David Arora’s mushroom classes and early Fungus Fairs in the Santa Cruz,[5] California area in the 1970’s.

Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
AbbreviationFFSC
Formation1984
FounderDavid Arora
Type501(c)(3) non-profit organization
FocusMycology, Recreation, Fellowship
Location
Area served
North California
MethodForays, Classes, Meetings, Fun&Food Events
Prime Minister
Justin Pierce
AffiliationsNorth American Mycological Association
Websiteffsc.us
An exhibit of local fungi and their habitats at the 43rd annual Fungus Fair.

Mission

The mission of the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz is "to foster and expand, through education and by example, the understanding and appreciation of mycology and to assist the general public and related institutions or groups to further this goal".[6]

Organization

FFSC was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1984.[7]

Activities

There are many facets to the FFSC, with something to interest everyone. One of the FFSC's largest public and most popular events is an annual Fungus Fair.[8][9][10] Members and non-members get together for local and long-distance forays, fun foodie events, meetings, and educational events. The FFSC also provides grants to mycology students and identification services to local hospitals.

The FFSC is currently embarking upon a project to fund DNA sequencing of herbarium specimens at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This initiative is part of the greater North American Mycoflora Project,[11] a joint venture of the Mycological Society of America, and the North American Mycological Association. Their motto: “Without a sequenced specimen, it’s a rumor”.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone who is interested in fungi. There is a small yearly membership fee which is discounted to the existing members. More information about the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz membership can be found on FFSC Members Page.

References
  1. "North American Mycological Association: affiliated mycological clubs listing". Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-11-29.
  2. Santa Cruz Public Libraries: Community Information Database
  3. Bay Nature magazine: organization page for FFSC
  4. Santa Cruz Wiki: FFSC page
  5. "SantaCruz.com: article that mentions David Arora contributions to FFSC and the FFSC Fungus Fair". Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-11-29.
  6. FFSC mission on the FFSC public website
  7. IRS: Exempt Organizations Select Check
  8. Santa Cruz Sentinel: Santa Cruz Fungus Fair highlights the culinary joys of wild mushrooms
  9. Good Times magazine: Fungus Among Us
  10. Edible Monterey Bay: an article on the Fungus Fair
  11. North American Mycoflora Project website
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