The Southern Idaho Mycological Association
ABOUT SIMA
The Southern Idaho Mycological Association is a group of amateur and professional mycologists, mycophagists, and just plain mushroom lovers. Since our inception, we have catalogued over two thousand species of mushrooms in southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon. These are our principal hunting grounds. Whether you just want to know a few edible kinds, or would like to take up mycology as a serious hobby, you will be welcome in SIMA.
SIMA is fully affiliated with the North American Mycological Association. This means that membership in SIMA automatically makes you a NAMA member, as well.
Our state is located almost entirely in the Pacific Northwest's Columbia Basin. In the east we contact the middle and northern Rockies. In Northern Idaho there are areas of extremely wet forest. On the Snake River Plain there is steppe (semi-arid grassland) and isolated riparian forests. Because of this, we have a great variety of mushroom habitats.
Idaho also has a surprisingly rich heritage of mushrooming. Several noted professional and amateur mycologists spent much of their time here, and many still do. In addition, a rich mix of European and Asian immigrants brought their love of mushrooms with them to our mountains and steppes..