How to Start and Grow A Mushroom Club

Sam is a land management professional with a passion for ecology, especially as it pertains to fungi and the role they play in helping our ecosystems thrive. She grew up in the NJ Pinelands, but has spent the last 4 years learning about the flora, fauna, and funga in the Greater Philadelphia area. She spends her free time sharing that passion with others.

John Dent, Club Treasurer and Membership Coordinator of the Blue Ridge Mycological Society, emerged as a crucial figure in BRMS's recent organizational journey. With a background in medicine and a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, John stepped forward as Pat Mitchell's "fungal knight in shining armor," taking on the daunting task of navigating 501c3 filing and establishing BRMS as a recognized nonprofit entity. His meticulous approach to research and his dedication to every task he undertakes have been instrumental in structuring BRMS's financial systems, organizing a board of directors, and implementing a dues system for members. John's passion for mycology, coupled with his deep commitment to education, drew him to BRMS. He shares BRMS's focus on providing a welcoming space for mushroom enthusiasts to learn and connect. As an Appalachian Trail thru hiker with a fascination of the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems, John brings a deep appreciation for nature and a vision for BRMS's continued growth and impact.

Pat Mitchell, President and Co-founder of the Blue Ridge Mycological Society, embarked on a transformative journey into mycology after attending the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) foray in Shenandoah in 2016. Inspired by the vibrant myco community he encountered, Pat channeled his passion for fungi into the creation of BRMS in 2018. Initially a casual club, BRMS underwent a significant evolution under Pat's leadership, culminating in its recent transformation into a fully organized and recognized nonprofit entity. With a focus on community building and fostering connections, Pat has played a pivotal role in shaping BRMS into a thriving hub for mycophiles in Central Virginia. His dedication to mycology and commitment to organizational growth have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of 501c3 filing, board formation and volunteer engagement. Pat's vision for BRMS extends beyond the present, as he dreams of passing down a thriving community to future generations of mycophiles.

Hamilton lives with his wife and two children in Colorado. He runs a film production company (Faux Reel Films) and a mushroom extract company (Hamilton’s Mushrooms). He has combined his two passions (fungafilm) and now makes movies about fungi with the mission to make mycology accessible and entertaining. Hamilton started the Western Colorado Mycological Association in 2023 and is the current president of WCMA.

Luke is the Membership Manager and the Club Relations Committee Chair for the North American Mycological Association. He is a past president for the New Jersey Mycological Association and currently active with both the New Jersey club and the Philadelphia Mycology Club. He loves all mushrooms but definitely thinks that big, chonky polypores are the BEST!