President's Message

When asked to define "Mycology," we might reflexively respond that it's the study of fungi. Some see it more specifically as learning which mushrooms to eat and which to avoid. Certainly there is more to it.  A couple of bits of recent news remind me that our shared obsession is also about people. We have recently lost two individuals in whose lives mycology was a central theme: Carolyn Buskirk and Orson Miller.

My first outing with NMMS was a visit to the Rakhra Mushroom Farm in Alamosa, Colorado--I think in 1995. Among the mushroom enthusiasts I met on that visit was Carolyn Buskirk. I was new to this mushroom/mycology stuff, feeling intimidated and a bit overwhelmed. But Carolyn and the other folks I met on that field trip welcomed me and helped me realize that their passion was not only contagious, but seemingly blind to common social boundaries. I had discovered an activity which was both classy and ignorant of class.

As I attended the monthly NMMS meetings, slowly scrambling my way up the learning curve, I came to recognize Carolyn as a regular attendee, and discovered that she had dedicated her time to the club for many years as an officer and news editor. She was active in our annual Forays and enthusiastically devoted time and resources to that event's "Cook & Taste" sessions. Carolyn was one who brought color to the club and kept it alive.

Unlike my initial encounter with Carolyn, I don't recall exactly when I first met Orson Miller. As I became increasingly involved with NMMS, I agreed to act as the club's NAMA Trustee, and it was at one of my early NAMA Conferences that Orson and I were introduced. I could say that it is unsettling for a very amateur mycologist to sit at a common table with folks who have dedicated their educations and devoted their lives to the study of fungi.  It's further humbling to learn that some of these folks have authored texts and field guides upon which thousands of mushroom enthusiasts rely. Orson was such a person, but I need not have felt intimidated. He was open, unpretentious, and genuinely eager to share in his passion of mycology. In this he epitomized the professional mycologists who sincerely value the involvement of amateurs and contribute to their appreciation and learning.

When former NAMA President Allein Stanley wrote to say that Orson had passed on, she began her message, "A giant is gone." Those who knew and respected Orson Miller will appreciate the merit of this statement.  The mycological community will remember Orson's life and contributions, stressing how his tutelage and influence was so important to both amateur and academic mycology. I would argue, however, that Carolyn Buskirk's contributions, though seemingly slight by comparison to Orson's, were far more important to NMMS. It is the work and dedication of such individuals, at the local level, which allow amateur mycology to flourish. Carolyn dedicated her time to running meetings, providing programs, publishing newsletters, and sharing her enthusiasm for finding and cooking mushrooms.

Carolyn Buskirk and Orson Miller were both wonderful individuals. Each loved and enriched our world of amateur mycology. I don't know whether they ever met, but I know they shared in a passion which transcends the trivial. Mycology may be about fungi, but more importantly, it provides a common ground for uncommon people.

David Wallis
(for July'06 Mycorizon)