Our Mission:
To promote mycology as an avocation.
The Illinois Mycological Association is a group of fungal enthusiasts that meets frequently to learn about fungi through talks presented by experts, and to look for, identify and document fungi such as mushrooms. We have monthly meetings with invited speakers. There are special events, such as our workshops, annual show, and annual banquet.
Surveys
During the mushroom season (mid-April to early November) the IMA conducts frequent surveys. These are most often in the Chicago region, but are sometimes further afield and may include weekend trips. We gather at a predetermined site and venture into the woods to collect samples of fungi (and gather edibles where permitted). We return to our meeting point to look over our fungi for identification and discussion.
Education and Fun
Meet people who share your interests and expand your knowledge of mycology. As a result, you may add new edibles to the ones you normally hunt, learn new tips, and add to your circle of fungal friends. Our programs and other events will expand your understanding of the Kingdom of Fungi. They are really unlike plants and animals, having their own lifestyles as decomposers, mutualists, or parasites.
Our Team of Officers and Other Volunteers
Liz Weinstein
PRESIDENT
Liz has been active with the Illinois Mycological Association for 7 years, is also a member of the Wisconsin Mycological Society, is the Photographer on the Visual Arts Committee for NAMA, and is a volunteer with the Field Museum Herbarium. Since her time as a 2023 Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence, she’s been conducting an ongoing scientific survey and photo documentary project for the National Parks System, “The Fungal Diversity of Isle Royale.” Liz is also wilderness first aid certified and does mycology-based public speaking engagements. You can check out her fungi photos and finds on Instagram and iNaturalist at @mushroomphotography.
Lorinda Sues
TREASURER
Lorinda is the IMA treasurer and manages memberships. She has been active with the Illinois Mycological Association for 16 years, is a past survey chair, and is also a volunteer with the Field Museum Herbarium.
Kate Golembiewski
EVENTS CHAIR
Kate is a science writer from Chicago, and her whole deal is making science fun and accessible for everyone. In addition to her work writing about research at the Field Museum, she writes as a freelancer for outlets including the New York Times, CNN, Discover Magazine, and Atlas Obscura. You can follow her work at sciencekate.com. Kate is excited to find creative ways to put the “fun” back in fungi for IMA members, as well as people who don’t know that they want to be members yet.
Danielle Jones (DJ)
SURVEY CHAIR
DJ is a naturalist that is especially enamored with fungi. In addition to her work with the club she also volunteers with her community garden, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, IL Extension, and various citizen science initiatives focusing on conservation and restoration. You can see her pictures on Instagram @Danielly42 and observations at iNaturalist with the same name.
Gino Albert
SECRETARY
Gino is a longtime lover of Fungi, Plants, and a nature enthusiast in general. Active in the IL Extension Master Naturalist Program, Programming with CCFP, and a volunteer with the Field Museum Herbarium, you’ll find him in the forest or the lab. However his favorite place is on IMA science surveys, continuing to explore, learn, and grow with this great club and knowledgeable members.
Other Volunteers:
NEWSLETTER
Andrea Zelen and Keara Shipe
Produce and distribute the monthly newsletter and other email notices to members.
MEMBERSHIP
Lorinda Sues, Lead
Maintain membership records.
WEBSITE
Erin LaRocque and Sarah Rooney
Manage website, post monthly programs and other events.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS
Patrick Leacock, PhD
Gregory Mueller, PhD
Matthew Nelsen, PhD
Assist the IMA with scientific and educational activities, including the Annual Show. Identify and curate fungi from surveys.
DUPAGE COUNTY RESEARCH
Crystal McAllister,
Lead Citizen Science program of mushroom monitoring at DuPage County Forest Preserves.