Rochester Area Mycological Association

About

Explore A History of Fungi in Rochester and Western NY, including the founding of RAMA.

RAMA participants gathered around a picnic table in the woods, with a yellow mushroom-logo sign in the foreground.
Gathering to share finds and learn together.
RAMA participants gathered around a picnic table covered with mushrooms, examining and discussing their finds beside a wooded pavilion.
Sharing finds and learning about mushrooms together.

What We Do

RAMA brings people together to study and enjoy wild mushrooms. Members explore fungi through photography, the study of wild edibles, and scientific inquiry. Whatever brings us to mycology, we share a love of mushrooms and the outdoors.

Fungi offer many paths for discovery, from their use as natural dyes to research into their potential to help clean up the environment. There is always something new to explore.

A participant in a cap examining a small specimen with a hand lens on a wooded trail.
Taking a closer look during RAMA’s July outing at Turning Point Park. RAMA (@rocmyco), posted August 2026.
Pale yellow and white mushrooms arranged on pine needles, showing caps, stems and gills.
A closer look at mushrooms. RAMA (@rocmyco), posted September 2026.

Everyone interested in wild mushrooms is welcome to become a member of RAMA.

“RAMA’s purpose is to provide a forum for cooperative study of the higher fungi. People who are actively interested in any aspect of mycology, are committed to conserving natural mycological environments by restrained and moderate collection practices, and are committed to safety in mycological pursuits, may find RAMA membership attractive.”

Throughout the year, RAMA offers monthly meetings and members-only forays. Check the Events page and our quarterly newsletter, MycoPages, for current event details.

RAMA participants gathered around a picnic table examining finds beside a pavilion in the woods.
Learning together after a RAMA walk. RAMA (@rocmyco), posted May 2026.
Participants gathered around a fallen log covered with mushrooms and a collection box in the woods.
Sharing finds and studying mushrooms together at Turning Point Park. RAMA (@rocmyco), posted August 2026.

Annual Highlights

Each year, RAMA hosts a Gourmet Mushroom Dinner and two public forays at Letchworth State Park in Castile, New York.

The Both Foray takes place in early June. It honors Ernst Both, a bolete expert and Curator Emeritus of Mycology at the Buffalo Museum of Science.

The Tanghe Foray takes place in mid-September. It honors Dr. Leo Tanghe, whose fungi classes inspired the students who founded RAMA in 1984.

For this year’s dates, times, and meeting locations, check the Events page and the quarterly newsletter, MycoPages. If details are not yet listed, contact RAMA before making plans.