Events Schedule

May 22, 2025 - Alberta Mycological Society

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. Virtual presentation, scheduled for 6pm PST. Additional details TBA.

May 9-11, 2025 - Suttle Lake, Oregon

Camp Mycologist for the OMS Spring Mycology Camp

This is an annual weekend Mushroom Camp that the Oregon Mycological Society (OMS) holds every Spring. The Spring 2025 events will be held at Suttle Lake in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Michael will be giving a beginner talk Friday evening, a Saturday afternoon identification workshop, and a Spring Ascomycetes talk Saturday evening.  Event Registration info TBA by the Oregon Mycological Society. You must be an OMS member to register and attend. Costs which cover lodging facilities at a camp and meals are also TBA.

May 29- Jun 1, 2025 -  Pacific Northwest Key Council Meeting

Michael will be unavailable for events on this weekend as he will be attending a Pacific Northwest Key Council Meeting. As part of the meeting he will be giving a workshop on using mycological keys.

July 15, 2025, at 4pm (PST), Western PA Mushroom Club, Pittsburgh, PA

A talk on Toxicology

Michael will be presenting via Zoom from the comfort of his home.  More details pending from the  Western PA Mushroom Club

In person meeting at the Frick Environmental Center 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA 

Oct 16-19, 2025 -  Olympic Peninsula Fungi Fest

Save the date and think about attending this fun annual Mushroom Festival in Port Angeles Washington. Michael's talk(s) are to be determined. More info will be posted here, when available.

Nov 20, 2025, at 6pm (PST), Wisconsin Mycological Society

Medicinal/Culinary Mushrooms: Fantastic Fungi to Save Body, Mind, Spirit, and the Planet

This talk is in two parts: Part 1 on psychotropic fungi and Part 2 on general medicinal/culinary fungi. Part 1 deals briefly with mushrooms in the Amanita muscaria, A. gemmata, and A. pantherinoides groups where the principle toxins are muscimol and ibotenic acid and then explores in depth the species containing psilocybin and psilocin as the main active compounds. Part 2 examines mushroom food value and nutrition and

the vast range of potential functional food and medicinal uses of fungi. I also briefly examine evolving uses of fungi to grow homes, make recyclable materials to replace plastics as well as synthetic dyes and thus ease adverse human effects on the environment. Event Registration info TBA by the Wisconsin Mycological Society.

April 14, 2025, at 6pm (PST), Colorado Mycological Society

Medicinal/Culinary Mushrooms: Fantastic Fungi to Save Body, Mind, Spirit, and the Planet

This talk is in two parts: Part 1 on psychotropic fungi and Part 2 on general medicinal/culinary fungi. Part 1 deals briefly with mushrooms in the Amanita muscaria, A. gemmata, and A. pantherinoides groups where the principle toxins are muscimol and ibotenic acid and then explores in depth the species containing psilocybin and psilocin as the main active compounds. Part 2 examines mushroom food value and nutrition and

the vast range of potential functional food and medicinal uses of fungi. I also briefly examine evolving uses of fungi to grow homes, make recyclable materials to replace plastics as well as synthetic dyes and thus ease adverse human effects on the environment. Event Registration info TBA by the Colorado Mycological Society.

April 10, 2025, at 7:00pm (PST), Kitsap Peninsula Mycological Society, Bremerton, WA, or Virtual

Medicinal/Culinary Mushrooms: Fantastic Fungi to Save Body, Mind, Spirit, and the Planet

This talk is in two parts: Part 1 on psychotropic fungi and Part 2 on general medicinal/culinary fungi. Part 1 deals briefly with mushrooms in the Amanita muscaria, A. gemmata, and A. pantherinoides groups where the principle toxins are muscimol and ibotenic acid and then explores in depth the species containing psilocybin and psilocin as the main active compounds. Part 2 examines mushroom food value and nutrition and

the vast range of potential functional food and medicinal uses of fungi. I also briefly examine evolving uses of fungi to grow homes, make recyclable materials to replace plastics as well as synthetic dyes and thus ease adverse human effects on the environment.  

In person at Everett Olympic College, Rotunda (Building 11), Bremerton 1600 Chester Ave. Or join via Zoom. Meeting starts at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm. Link to Zoom meeting TBA by KPMS here.

April 9, 2025, at 7:00pm (PST), Snohomish County Mycological Society, Everett, WA

Medicinal/Culinary Mushrooms: Fantastic Fungi to Save Body, Mind, Spirit, and the Planet

This talk is in two parts: Part 1 on psychotropic fungi and Part 2 on general medicinal/culinary fungi. Part 1 deals briefly with mushrooms in the Amanita muscaria, A. gemmata, and A. pantherinoides groups where the principle toxins are muscimol and ibotenic acid and then explores in depth the species containing psilocybin and psilocin as the main active compounds. Part 2 examines mushroom food value and nutrition and

the vast range of potential functional food and medicinal uses of fungi. I also briefly examine evolving uses of fungi to grow homes, make recyclable materials to replace plastics as well as synthetic dyes and thus ease adverse human effects on the environment.  

In person event at Everett Firefighter's Hall 2411 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA. Meeting starts at 7pm, talk starts at 7:30pm. More information here. 

April 8, 2025, at 7:30pm (PST), Puget Sound Mycological Society

Medicinal/Culinary Mushrooms: Fantastic Fungi to Save Body, Mind, Spirit, and the Planet

This talk is in two parts: Part 1 on psychotropic fungi and Part 2 on general medicinal/culinary fungi. Part 1 deals briefly with mushrooms in the Amanita muscaria, A. gemmata, and A. pantherinoides groups where the principle toxins are muscimol and ibotenic acid and then explores in depth the species containing psilocybin and psilocin as the main active compounds. Part 2 examines mushroom food value and nutrition and

the vast range of potential functional food and medicinal uses of fungi. I also briefly examine evolving uses of fungi to grow homes, make recyclable materials to replace plastics as well as synthetic dyes and thus ease adverse human effects on the environment.  

This meeting is free and open to the public & will be a "hybrid" meeting both in-person at the Center for Urban Horticulture and virtual on Zoom. They will start letting people into the CUH meeting hall at about 7:00 pm and into the Zoom meeting at about 7:15. The lecture will begin at approximately 7:30 pm. Link to Zoom meeting TBA by the Puget Sound Mycological Society (homepage, meeting announcements on right).

Mar 1, 2025, 9am to 5pm  - PNW Wilds

Michael has been invited to attend this event and will give a talk about his book in addition to participating in a panel discussion. 

If you love exploring the Pacific Northwest, then this event is for you! Join us as we welcome Pacific Northwest authors, vendors, artists, and speakers to downtown Chehalis, WA for PNW Wilds! Meet and greet authors who have plenty to share when it comes to foraging, exploring, Bigfoots, and more. Benefits the Lewis County Historical Museum 

This in person event will be at the Vintage Grand Room within the Hotel Washington. 545 North Market Blvd, Chehalis, WA. Additional details to follow here.

Jan 21, 2025, at 5pm (PST), NAMA Webinar

Medicinal/Culinary Mushrooms: Fantastic Fungi to Save Body, Mind, Spirit, and the Planet

This webinar is in two parts: Part 1 on psychotropic fungi and Part 2 on general medicinal/culinary fungi. Part 1 deals briefly with mushrooms in the Amanita muscaria, A. gemmata, and A. pantherinoides groups where the principle toxins are muscimol and ibotenic acid and then explores in depth the species containing psilocybin and psilocin as the main active compounds. Part 2 examines mushroom food value and nutrition and

the vast range of potential functional food and medicinal uses of fungi. I also briefly examine evolving uses of fungi to grow homes, make recyclable materials to replace plastics as well as synthetic dyes and thus ease adverse human effects on the environment. Free for NAMA members, all others $5. Register here.

Dec 17, 2024, at 5pm (PST), NAMA Webinar

Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest with Dr. Michael Beug

This webinar focuses on my favorite charismatic fungi of the Pacific Northwest that appear from the end of July through December. All my favorite edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, and dye fungi are included. The region is a hotspot of global diversity. My research currently has two foci: Fungi of the Oregon white oak ecosystem (overwhelmingly species of Cortinarius fruiting November to December) and the fungi of a subalpine meadow and the surrounding forest that I try to visit once a week from when the snow pack allows me access in early July to heavy snow by November. Free for NAMA members, all others $5. Register here.

Nov 15, 2024 at 6pm, Spoke and Word Books, Milwaukie, OR

Marvelous and Unusual Mushrooms of Cascadia 

Come meet author Dr. Michael Beug and learn about a few of the many marvelous mushrooms in the 2nd Edition of Mushrooms of Cascadia an Illustrated Key to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest.  The bookstore is located at 10863 SE Main St, Milwaukie, OR. More information at the Spoke and Store website. 

Oct 31 - Nov 3, 2024 - North American Mycological Association 2024 Annual Foray, Randle, WA.  Michael will lead a foray, assist with mushroom identification, and is scheduled for 2 talks. More information and registration for this event here.

October 27, 2024 Eugene, OR - Mount Pisgah Arboretum Mushroom Festival 

This Mushroom Festival is known to be one of the largest on the west coast.

You will find Michael at the Cascade Mycological Society (CMS) Sales booth; located right in front of the White Oak Pavilion with the very large mushroom display. You may purchase Michael's book and have it signed. Michael is generously contributing a portion of each sale to the CMS Scholarship fund. For more information and to purchase tickets to the festival visit the Mount Pisgah Arboretum Website.

Oct 21, 2024 at 7pm, Annie Bloom's Books - Portland

Meet Michael and have your book signed!

If you are in the Portland area, you are invited to attend a book reading and signing event for the 2nd Edition of Mushrooms of Cascadia an Illustrated Key to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest. Annie Bloom's Books is located at 7834 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland. More information here.

October 18-21, 2024 Stevenson, WA Mushroom Festival - 

The Stevenson Mushroom Festival will captivate attendees of all ages with an array of festivities to celebrate the enchanting world of mushrooms.  

Michael will be speaking at 11 AM October 19 at the Stevenson Public Library as part of the Mushroom Hunt event. 

More info about the festival here.

Purchase advanced tickets here.

October 13, 2024 - Friends of the Columbia Gorge Foray

Michael will be teaming up with Krista  Cushman to lead a foray for Friends of the Columbia Gorge in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The event is free, but you are required to be a member of this wonderful non-profit that works to protect, preserve, and steward the Columbia Gorge.  Check out their website here.

Oct 6, 2024 at 2pm, McMinville Public Library

Marvelous and Unusual Mushrooms of Cascadia 

Hosted by Third Street Books. Come learn about a few of the many marvelous mushrooms in the 2nd Edition of Mushrooms of Cascadia an Illustrated Key to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest.  The library is located at 225 NE Adams St, McMinnville, OR. Library website here.

Oct 4-5, 2024 - Gorge Fungi Foray

Location : Cave Creek Farms in Trout Lake, WA 

Info and tickets at: https://www.gorgefungiforay.com

We hope you can join us for the 4th annual Gorge Fungi Foray, 2 DAYS packed with fungal fun!

• Explore the Gifford Pinchot National Forest with local experts who will guide you through a hidden world of fascinating fungi

Oct 1, 2024, 6:30-8pm White Salmon Valley Community Library

Mushrooms of Cascadia

Hear local author and mushroom expert, Michael Beug, talk about mushrooms of the Columbia River Gorge. Learn to identify by edible and poisonous varieties. Copies of his book Mushrooms of Cascadia, will be available for purchase.  Michael Beug is a former instructor at Evergreen State College. His writing and photographs have been published in many journals.

The library is located at 77 NE Wauna Ave, in White Salmon.

Sep 25, 2024, Hood River Library

2nd Edition Book Launch. Meet Michael and have your book signed!

The local Hood River community is invited to attend the launch of the 2nd Edition of Mushrooms of Cascadia an Illustrated Key to the Fungi of the Pacific Northwest. The library is located at 502 State Street, Hood River.

Feb 18, 2024 - Hallucinogenic Mushrooms as Entheogens: Mental Health and Spirituality 

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.