Started in 2015, the FMS has been stimulating the conversation and promotion of mycology in California's Central Valley.
Composed of hobbyist and professional mycologists, gardeners, photographers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, FMS is a small but expanding group with a wide spectrum of members who share a common interest... fungi. The group provides a way to strengthen the community through a common interest and brings people together in a healthy, educational, and productive manner.
The greater Fresno area is abundant with mushrooms, lichen, yeasts, and molds. It offers an array of multi-colored, alienesque fungi year-round to enjoy and research. The mountains, orchards, parks, lawns, landscaping beds, trees, rocks, and even flower pots can be found bursting with life. FMS intends to shed light on these mysterious organisms found throughout nature and educate the public about their importance.
FMS not only studies the physiology and ecology of fungi but the utilization of fungi too. Mushrooms for example, can be used for food, paper, ink, packaging materials, mycoremediation, dyes, and composting. Yeast is used for the production of baked goods, beverages, probiotics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. Even molds have their uses despite the "yuck" factor, they can be used to produce an array of food products and pharmaceuticals. Hopefully this knowledge will be developed further and applied commercially to generate new jobs in agriculture, medicine, and other S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathmatics) industries throughout the California Central Valley.
If you would like to know more about FMS contact us at:
fresnomycology@gmail.com
-Judd Harper, Co-founder