Events Schedule
Below are the events that Michael currently has scheduled or in the works. Some dates are TBD and we will be updated when confirmed. Most are open to the public while a few are not. If you would like to have Michael speak to your organization, you may contact him at mushroomsofcascadia@gmail.com.
Feb 18, 2024 - Hallucinogenic Mushrooms as Entheogens: Mental Health and Spirituality
The 1957 Life Magazine article by R. Gordon Wasson, “The Discovery of Mushrooms that Cause Strange Visions.” introduced Psilocybin mushrooms to North Americans. Timothy Leary became a drug-promoting icon. In 1968, the US Federal prohibition of psilocybin and psilocin was passed, largely to get at anti Viet Nam war protestors. The use of the mushrooms was making people too kind and caring, interfering with our war effort. Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) Leary’s psychology co-faculty at Harvard was transformed from a nonpracticing Jew to a kind and deeply religious person. Late in the 1990s, research on psilocybin and psilocin in human subjects resumed. Since 2010, we have discovered many important roles for these compounds in psychotherapy. No drugs are more effective in dealing with PTSD and depression – where a single well-prepared session can lead to significant, permanent changes for the better. The compounds also produce mystical experiences, generally increasing empathy. Psilocybin in conjunction with lion’s mane mushrooms and vitamin B-3 greatly promotes nerve regeneration and may likely slow the development of both Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Psilocybe mushroom therapy has the potential to make the world a more caring place.
A zoom link open to anyone will be posted one week before the talk at www.portlandhumainist.org.
Past Presentations
Nov 16, 2023 - Fungus Among Us: Uncovering the fascinating world of Mycology, Webinar
Enter the mysterious world of mycology (the study of fungi) with local experts Dr. Michael Beug and Krista Cushman as they share their knowledge about fungi and more in the Columbia Gorge. Presentation at 6pm PST. More info and registration at Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Sept 30 and Oct 7, 2023 - Forest Fungi: Mycology Lecture, Forage & Cooking Workshop, Trout Lake, WA
A day in the woods with Michael to benefit the Mount Adams Institute. Limited to 20 persons. There will also be a gourmet mushroom dinner option with a talk. You may register for either or both events. Cost: $65. Both sessions sold out.
Sept 22-23, 2023 - Gorge Fungi Foray, Trout Lake, WA
Michael will give two presentations at this fun fungal event sponsored by Grow Organics that will be held at Cave Creek Farm in Trout Lake. The event includes presentations, workshops, forays, and food! Michael's Friday evening talk will be an introduction to his book and his Saturday talk will be "Edible, Poisonous and Fascinating Fungi of the Columbia River Gorge".
More info at the Grow Organics Website
August 20, 2023, Stevenson Library
Edible, Poisonous and Fascinating Fall Fungi of the Columbia River Gorge
An in-person event for those in the local community just in time for the fall mushrooming season. The Stevenson Community Library is located at 120 NW Vancouver Ave in Stevenson, WA, more info here.
May 15, 2023 - World Forestry Center, Portland OR
For the Love of Ascomycetes: Morels, Truffles and More
An in person member's only meeting for the Oregon Mycological Society. More info here.
April 6, 2023 - Goldendale Library (6 pm PST)
Edible, Poisonous and Fascinating Spring Fungi of the Columbia River Gorge
An in person event for those in the local community - or if you happen to be visiting the area.
More info here.
March 7, 2023 (7 pm Central time)
Morels and Similar Fungi of the South - Alabama Mushroom Society
If you are living in the South or just want to know more about mushrooms that are commonly found in the Southern states, you may want to attend this online presentation which is open to the public. This will be a virtual presentation via Zoom, please register at the Alabama Mushroom Society website.
January 8th, 2023 (7pm Central)
For the Love of Ascomycetes
North Texas Mycological Association
In this talk, Michael will describe the spectacular and diverse world of Ascomycete fungi. You will learn about edibles from morels to truffles, fungal habitats and fungal lifestyles. You will also discover what Ascomycetes are and the many unusual uses of fungi. Michael will also touch on the explosion of new knowledge resulting from cheaper and faster DNA information.
And yes, you will hear how Michael came to write the book Ascomycete Fungi of North America (University of Texas Press, 2014), with coauthors Alan and Arleen Bessette. It is the first and only color-illustrated book covering North American Ascomycetes
More info on the North Texas Events Page
January 3, 2023 4 PM (7 PM EST)
For the Love of Ascomycetes
Zoom talk to the Mid Hudson Mycological Association.
November 7, 2022
Using the Keys to Mushrooms of Cascadia
Willamette Valley Mushroom Society.
Michael will describe the construction of the book and we will work through numerous examples of identifying mushrooms using Mushrooms of Cascadia: An Illustrated Key. This will be a user participation program but will not require participants to use a copy of the book to participate.
More info at WMMS website.
Sept 23-24, 2022
Gorge Fungi Foray, Hood River, Oregon
Michael will give two presentations at this fun fungal event that includes presentations, workshops, forays, and food! His Friday talk will be an introduction to his book and his Saturday talk will be about identifying the unusual mushrooms of Cascadia.
More info at the Grow Organics Website
Sept 8, 2022
Mushrooms of Cascadia talk, Kitsap Peninsula Mycological Society.
This presentation will showcase some of the mushroom species in Michael’s book “Mushrooms of Cascadia: An Illustrated Key”. Dr. Beug will highlight Cortinarius, Boletes, Amanita, Morchella, Cantharellus, Lactarius, Hericium, polypore mushrooms and several recently discovered/unnamed species.
September 16, 2022
Psilocybin, An Important Medicinal Drug
White Salmon Grange (White Salmon Public Library) - 6:30pm
August 11-14, 2022
Reunion with Evergreen State College Mycology Students Trout Lake, Washington.
August 22, 2023 - Stevenson Library (6 pm PST)
Edible, Poisonous and Fascinating Fall Fungi of the Columbia River Gorge
An in-person event for those in the local community just in time for the fall mushrooming season. The Stevenson Community Library is located at 120 NW Vancouver Ave in Stevenson, WA, more info here.