SOMA (SOnoma County Mycological Association) is a group of northern California mushroom enthusiasts with two primary goals:
- appreciating and learning about local mushrooms
- educating the public about the vast and diverse world of fungi
As a resource for wild mushroom lovers in Sonoma County and beyond, we sponsor a variety of activities and services open to the public:
- monthly meetings, often featuring nationally-recognized speakers
- local wild mushroom-hunting forays
- poisonous mushroom identification
- three-day SOMA Camp
- annual mushroom fair
Members enjoy the additional benefits of joining special interest groups, gorging themselves at potlucks, and enjoying the monthly newsletter.
SOMA was founded in 1988, and currently has about 500 members. We're a completely volunteer organization, and our annual dues are used only for supporting our activities. Everyone's here because they enjoy what they do, not because they get paid (unless you count the mushrooms). From our annually-elected Board of Directors to the cooks at SOMA Camp, our existence depends on the energy of our tireless volunteers.
Whether or not you're a member, or have even the slightest clue about the difference between a mushroom and a truffle, you're always welcome to join us at our monthly meetings and forays.
Committees and Group Leaders »
The legal stuff
SOMA is a non-profit (501)(c) educational society dedicated to the appreciation of local fungi.