Wisconsin Mycological Society Envoy Opportunity - 2026

Application form is available at the end of this page!

Hey WMS members!

Have you wanted to attend some cool NAMA forays?

Or would you like to go to any other mycological conference or gathering across the globe, but don't quite have the time or money?

Are you excited to represent WMS and help grow our mycological society?

Apply for an opportunity to attend one of these wonderful events representing WMS!

The envoy program is intended to:
Develop the mycological knowledge, enthusiasm and community connections of our members & to represent the Wisconsin Mycological Society through our members.

Who qualifies? 
These positions are open to any paying WMS member in good standing for the 2026 calendar year.


What WMS can provide to envoys:
We have $1200 currently budgeted for envoy positions in 2026.
So, up to that amount could be awarded to a single envoy, or the amount could be divided among more than one applicant. It may be enough to cover your expenses, or just enough to help you along your way.

What will happen if I am awarded an envoy position? 
If successful, we will be in touch to arrange payment of the envoy award and to discuss any requests for receipts from you, if needed.

We give this award by PayPal or by check to you, or if feasible, we can book your event ticket directly in coordination with you if you prefer. If you are given awards or other income over $600 from WMS within the calendar year, this is considered taxable income and WMS will also then need to collect a W-9 form from you. If you are able to provide receipts, we may be able to treat it as a reimbursement instead, rather than an award. 

An envoy will agree to:
Attend the event you applied to go to, and while there, represent the Wisconsin Mycological Society. You will consider yourself an envoy for the club. This is a great opportunity to make connections for WMS, and to spread the word about mycology in Wisconsin and about WMS specifically. While at the event, conduct yourself with respect and professionalism. 

What events can this apply to?
The event can be any time this year (2026). 

It must be a mycological event in some way

"Mycological event" may apply to events that are entirely mushroom or mycology focused, or to an event that is not strictly mycological, but could connect to some aspect of mycology (e.g., ecology, biology, foraging events).


Can I apply to propose attending 2026 events where registration hasn't yet launched?
Yes - please just fill in the application questions with estimates and link to the official website about the event where the 2026 dates will be published in due time.

What if I need to know I will get an envoy position to financially be able to book my ticket and travel to the event? 
If this is the case for you, please note it somewhere in the comments on your application form. If you are set on going to an event, and can go, we recommend not waiting to hear back from us to get yourself set up with any needed registration or travel plans. Just save your receipts (digital or physical) in case we ask for them if your application is successful.

Can I apply to attend WMS events as an envoy?
No. We appreciate your enthusiasm for WMS forays! But no, this program is for attending other events and then reporting back. We do, however, have a separate program for this - our scholarships! Check that out, and if they're open, go ahead and apply.

For inspiration, here are some cool events to consider: 

North American Mycological Association (NAMA) events, including:
- NAMA Annual Foray (NAMA Yoop!) in Marquette, MI, August 27-30
- NAMA Regional (Similkameen Valley Foray & Feast) in Manning Park, British Columbia, Canada, June 1-4
- NAMA Regional MX in Oaxaca City & Ixtlan de Juarez, September 6-13

Events by other mycological societies, associations and clubs:
Find out more on those organization's websites. You can see other NAMA affiliated clubs listed here: https://namyco.org/clubs/

Other mushroom focused events:
Telluride Mushroom Festival in Telluride, CO, August 12-16

Mycelium Mysteries by Midwest Women's Herbal in Almond, WI
September 18-20 (women-only event)

Mycological Society of America's conference in Portland, OR, July 11-15
(focus is on academic mycology)

...what else? We'd love to hear about an event that is new to us!


Can I apply more than once? 
Yes - Applicants are allowed to send in multiple applications for other events but can only possibly receive one envoy award to one event. 


How to apply:
Applications are open now!
Applications will close when the positions have been filled. 


What will help your application?
Envoys are strongly encouraged to write a WMS newsletter article or send images or videos documenting your experience for publication on WMS social media and/or newsletter.

Committing to one or more of these or an equivalent form of giving back to the WMS community will help your application.

Your application is also strengthened by giving us specifics on what you hope to experience and learn at the event – for example, if the event has workshops, which ones would you attend? Is there a lecture that catches your eye? Is there a particular mushroom you’re hunting for? Connections you are trying to make?

Anything that gives us insight as to what going to the event would mean for you.



When do I find out if I have received an envoy position?
Selections will be announced by May 31 at the latest. 
Or, you may hear back earlier if we have given all 2026 envoy 
Questions can be directed to [email protected]