Mushrooming hobby

Soka University of America will host a Wild Mushroom Foray for native Santa Monica Mountains’ mushrooms with members of the Los Angeles Mycological Society (LAMS) from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Sat., Feb. 5, on the campus at 26800 W. Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

The event is free; however, heavy rainfall will lead to cancellation. For more information or reservations, call (818) 878-3741 or e-mail nativegarden@soka.edu.

The Wild Mushroom Foray at Soka-Calabasas precedes LAMS’ annual Wild Mushroom Fair, which will be presented from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., Feb. 6 at the Veterans Memorial Complex, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City.

Mushrooms gathered on the Calabasas campus by LAMS members during the "Wild Mushroom Foray" will then be displayed. Papermaking and fabric dying using mushrooms may be presented and several area chefs will do cooking demonstrations of mushroom dishes. Admission to the fair is $5 adults; $4 LAMS members and $1 children under 12.

Mushroom foraging is a common practice in many European and Asian countries, and has been gaining in popularity throughout the United States, particularly California.

There are hundreds of varieties of mushrooms. Many of them provide vital nutrients for plants and trees, with some used as medicinal preparations and tonics in many cultures and countries, and others find great worth as a delicious specialty food for gourmet chefs.

Some wild mushrooms may cause an upset stomach, and still other wild mushrooms may be fatal if eaten

For more information on LAMS, call (323) 292-1900 or visit the organization’s website at www.lamushrooms.org.