What should I bring?

LAYERS - Weather is unpredictable, wearing/brining layers is highly recommended to ensure your comfort. Light-weight long sleeves and pants are also recommended as protection from scratches and scrapes!
APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR - Both for your safety and freedom of movement, wear shoes with appropriate tread. Hiking boots are highly recommended. Hiking sandals may work in certain locations, but are generally not recommended due to off-trail walking.
SUN & BUG PROTECTION - Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug repellant are recommended, as well as light-weight long sleeves/pants.
WATER/SNACKS - Hydration and fuel are especially important when outdoors—please plan accordingly!
FORAGING TOOLS - Bag: Mesh bags, baskets, cotton canvas bags (waxed or unwaxed), paper bags (waxed or unwaxed) are great. We discourage plastic bags, as these will trap in moisture and ruin your mushrooms. Brush: Mushrooms release moisture once they’ve been picked, so cleaning off dirt in the field will help you avoid a muddy mess in your bag. Brushes made for mushroom cleaning or “chip” paint brushes are recommended. Toothbrushes, or anything with tougher/less flexible bristles are too rough for most mushrooms. Knife: We recommend folding knives, knives shorter than 6", or foam utility knives. Though we recommend pulling mushrooms for newcomers to learn identification, knives are used for bisecting and cleaning up mushrooms in the field.
SAFETY TOOLS - Communication Device(s): Make sure your phone is charged for safety and general communication. Some foray leaders have walkie talkies, so if you have one, bring it! Whistle: If you have an emergency whistle (either your own or from a past MSU foray), bring it! Compass/map: You can never be too safe when you’re out in the wilderness. Downloading the area you’re in on your phone’s map app is always a good idea when you’re going out of service. Medication: If you require life saving medication, such as an Epinephrine, please carry it with you and let your foray leader know.

What should I do to prepare?

Check the weather map so you know how to dress. There are plenty of occasions where the valley is sunny and the canyons are rainy.
Eat a healthy meal and ensure hydration before you head out.
Let someone close to you know what you will be doing and when to expect to hear from you afterwards.
Make sure that your car can make the trip, especially if you are headed into the canyons. Check your tires for tread, nails, and air, as well as your gas and oil levels.
Study what mushrooms you may find in the area during the current season!

Other things to note:

ALL participants must register as we require a name and liability waiver from each person and need to know the number of people to expect. This means if multiple people on your household membership are coming, and you didn’t include them in your RSVP, they must go back and register themselves.
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their legal guardian or an adult who has permission from their legal guardian. Foray leaders may need to contact legal guardians before allowing participation.
We ask that you only register for one foray a month to allow others a chance to secure a slot!

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2.Event Policies

Foray Leader Training 2025