Why should I join NATS? All NATS activities are free and open to the public. NATS members receive a periodic newsletter, postcard or email notification of upcoming events, and the peace of mind that comes with supporting the NATS mission. We have members in 27 states and 7 countries.
How do I join NATS? Annual dues are $15 for individuals (plus $10 for each additional family member), and $20 for international memberships (in US$, please). Click here to join or renew your membership online, or if you'd prefer to use the mail, click here to download a membership form. NATS membership dues (and contributions to the Henry Pavelek Sr. Scholarship Fund) are fully tax-deductable.
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.
NATS Foray Leader needed: NATS is seeking a volunteer to lead monthly forays a few times a year; you don't need to be able to identify truffles. We have plenty of ideas for foray destinations and it's a great way to meet great people! Contact the trufflemaster if you're interested.
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!
June Meeting: Tuesday, June 4, 7:30pm. The speaker will be Dr. Nancy Weber, presenting "What Is Rotting My Maple Tree?" A large, healthy bigleaf maple tree was a prominent member of the speaker's yard when she moved to Corvallis in 1988. In the intervening years, the tree has become a nearly dead stub due primarily to the actions of weather, fungi, and animals (including humans). We will explore some of these factors and how they have individually and in concert caused this transformation. Or, in other words, watch wood rot. The meeting will be held at the Corvallis Multicutural Literacy Center at 128 SW 9th street in Corvallis (the big yellow house between Monroe and Madison avenues; click here for a map). There is parking on 9th street and in the dirt lot at the SW corner of 9th and Monroe.
Truffle Dog Training Seminar: Saturday, June 22, 9am to 5pm at the Forestry Clubhouse in Peavy Arboretum just north of Corvallis. NATS and Jeannine May will present a truffle dog training seminar at the Forestry Clubhouse at Peavy Arboretum. The seminar will be a combination of lecture, fundamentals of scent training, and practical field work. Beverages and a continental breakfast will be provided. Attendance is limited to six dogs and four audits (people without their dogs). A waiting list will be maintained; if there is sufficient interest another seminar may be scheduled. All dogs will be required to be under voice control and well-mannered in company of other dogs and people. Aggressive or disruptive dogs will be ejected from the class without refund. Current rabies vaccination required for participating dogs. The course fee for NATS members is $200 with dogs and $100 for audits, and for non-members $215 with dogs and $115 for audits, payable in advance. The non-member fee includes a 2013 NATS membership. For questions or to register for the seminar, please contact Marilyn Hinds.
June 15-25: The Art and Science of Mycorenewal conference is being held near Santa Cruz, CA. Workshops include fungal biology, mushroom identification, mycoremediation, cultivation methods, and much more.
November Foray: November 8-10. NATS and CMS will have a combined weekend foray at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA) near Blue River, about 50 miles east of Eugene, OR. This foray will be a survey for rare fungal species in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. Limited lodging will be available at the HJA headquarters, and other camping is available nearby. Lodging details will be posted as they become available. Please note that dogs are not allowed at HJA.
What to Bring to Forays: Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Bring a garden rake ("cultivator") with 4-5 widely spaced tines if you have one; if you don't there are usually extras.
General Meeting Information: Meetings are held at 7:30pm on the Tuesday following the first Saturday of the month (the first Saturday of the month is the normal foray date). Meetings are held at the Corvallis Multicutural Literacy Center at 128 SW 9th street in Corvallis (the big yellow house between Monroe and Madison avenues; click here for a map). There is parking on 9th street and in the dirt lot at the SW corner of 9th and Monroe.
For additions or corrections, please e-mail the webmaster. Please read this website for your answers before making further inquiries. We post foray information as plans develop, and if it's not yet here, it's not yet available. Thanks!
