President's Message

It seems for the last couple of months I've been saying "Well, I think the season's about
over." Then something pops up to prove me wrong. I have some huge (well over 20mm) Marasmius
oreades growing in my front yard. In our neighborhood we've found fresh shaggy manes, agaricus,
and others. Recently at 8000 ft in southern Colorado we encountered prime specimens of Russula,
Amanita, and Agaricus campestris. So this time I'll say "Maybe the season's not over."

It also seems that even though we're still winding down from this year's Foray, we're also
getting a move on next year's big event.  I mentioned earlier that returning to Los Alamos was a
distinct possibility. It's more than that.  Mark your calendars (those of you who already have
2006) for the 4th weekend in August, we're going to aim for that time. I expect that the Valle 
Grande will be on the menu, but that is one of the details on our to-do list.

We all have a fondness for fungi and recognize their role as nature's most industrious recyclers.
The cultivators among us have perhaps an even greater appreciation for our saprophytic friends.  
Whether your enthusiasm lies with extreme recycling or you get giddy contemplating the
decomposition of organic matter by something that's exquisite sautéed in butter, our upcoming
program will find a place in your heart. Lynda Taylor visited a couple of years back and
introduced briefly her involvement with ZERI-NM. She returns to our upcoming meeting to reveal
the projects and processes of her progressive organization.


David Wallis
2005-10-20