Why should I join NATS? During Covid, foray participation is limited to NATS members. NATS members also receive a periodic newsletter, postcard or email notification of upcoming events, and the peace of mind that comes with supporting the NATS mission. Zoom meetings are open to the public, see details below.
How do I join NATS? Annual membership dues (USD): $20 for the first family member, $10 for each additional family member in the same house over the age of 18 years of age. Children under the age of 18 in the same household are free. Businesses: $20 (USD). International memberships (USD): $20. You can join online, or download a membership form. NATS membership dues (and contributions to the Henry Pavelek Sr. Scholarship Fund) are fully tax-deductable.
Meetings: We are resuming in-person meetings! If you plan to attend a meeting, for the protection of the vulnerable we ask that you be healthy, fully vaccinated, and wear a mask. Meetings will also be available via Zoom. NATS members receive a monthly email of upcoming events which will have instructions to participate in meetings. Non-members are also welcome and can get free Zoom access credentials by emailing natrufflingsociety@gmail.com prior to the meeting.
NATS Hybrid Meeting - December 10, 7:00 PM: Charlie Bruder presents "The domestication of fungi in food systems: a basic history." The story of plant and animal domestication is vast, but Charlie Bruder’s interest is unparalleled. Join NATS at the December speaker meeting where Bruder will cover a basic history of edible plant and animal domestication, and discuss the implications of domesticating fungi for food systems. Conventional means of breeding fungi as well as genetic engineering/CRISPR will be discussed. Both biological and cultural reasons surrounding domestication will be explored.
Charlie is an aspiring mycologist and farmer currently studying microbiology at Oregon State University. Passionate about foraging and community based agriculture, Charlie is certified in permaculture design, and aims to bring an ecological perspective to the rising popularity of mushrooms in our food system. Currently, he works with the Wood Decomposition Lab, where he helps maintain one of the largest culture libraries of native fungi in the PNW. Charlie practices elements of Korean Natural Farming, and other organic methodologies in his own farming and gardening, hoping to increase soil microbial diversity in agricultural systems.
This will be a hybrid meeting, in person and on Zoom. The in-person meeting will be in OSU's Cordley Hall, Room 2602. Free parking is available in the lot at 27th & Orchard. A link to register for the Zoom meeting will be posted several days prior to the meeting. NATS members receive invitations by email, non-members need to register ahead of time by clicking on this link: https://forms.gle/bNWatmrtx7CgUHds7. If you want to share the Zoom meeting with an interested non-NATS member, simply forward the link to them. If you have difficulties or questions, email an inquiry to natrufflingsociety@gmail.com ahead of the meeting.
Hot off the press: NATS has developed an "Ethical, Sustainable and Common Sense Guide to Harvesting Truffles". By following these guidelines to protect the truffle environment and minimize harvest of immature truffles, we can help to ensure the sustainability of Oregon truffling.
Truffle Dog Training: NATS offers truffle dog training courses periodically, depending on demand. If you are interested, please contact Marilyn Hinds to put your name on the list. We will schedule a training session when we reach quorum, so let us know!
New Oregon law (ORS 164.813) requires a permit to harvest and transport special forest products, including truffles and mushrooms. Deputies are actively enforcing this regulation and violators face substantial fines.
