message from the president
Registration is now open for the NAMA 2009 Foray in Layfayette, LA. Click here for details.
To NAMA Members,
NAMA has looked into alternative benefits and a more consistent way to get The Mycophile newsletter to our members. For the remainder of the year, NAMA will purchase subscriptions to FUNGI Magazine for current NAMA members. This is our way of saying thank you for your continued support of NAMA and to offer something extra since you’ve been waiting patiently on The Mycophile - your last issue was July/August, 2008. Michael Beug has been instrumental in making this collaboration come to fruition. In addition Paul Stamets and Carolyn Dusty Yao have made a very generous donation to NAMA to help provide this benefit. To each of these, I heartedly say "thank you." Thanks to Britt Bunyard, editor of FUNGI Magazine, The Mycophile will be inserted into his publication on his normal schedule.
Concerning future NAMA publications, we have tentatively found a co-editor who will compile The Mycophile for placement in FUNGI. All future articles suitable for The Mycophile should be directed to Judy Roger (see Contacts page for information). Michael Beug, who serves NAMA in many capacities, volunteered to serve as interim editor and publish the next issue of McIlvainea, which should be mailed in the early summer.
The Executive Committee and others are currently discussing the future of NAMA’s publications including the possibility of making The Mycophile an Internet publication only (we know that some members would still need a printed version). Another consideration is keeping The Mycophile as an insert in FUNGI after 2009 and providing both NAMA membership and a subscription to FUNGI to our members at considerable savings from obtaining both individually. FUNGI and NAMA are in agreement that this could be beneficial to both entities. NAMA members would have the option of membership with or without FUNGI. Any members wishing to express suggestions please direct them either to me or to Judy Roger.
NAMA’s 2009 Annual Foray will be hosted by the Gulf States Mycological Society and held from November 26-29 at Lafayette, LA. Many of us fondly remember the foray at Beaumont, TX several years ago. "Cajun" events are being planned for this foray. I’m sure a great time will be had. Maybe even the mushrooms will cooperate.
Thanks for your continued support of NAMA. We are a volunteer organization which remains committed to the promotion and advancement of the science of mycology. Without our volunteers, members and affiliated clubs, nothing would be possible.
Ike Forester
NAMA is committed to the promotion of scientific and educational activities related to fungi.
NAMA supports the protection of natural areas and their biological integrity.
We advocate the sustainable use of mushrooms as a resource and endorse responsible mushroom collecting that does not harm the fungi or their habitats.
