Lectures, Workshops, and Forays!
Below are some of my ready to go talks and workshops, but I can create and customize a lecture or workshop on a variety of mycological topics. My lectures can be given virtually over Zoom or in person. I've given lectures on stage for hundreds of people, or I can create more intimate round-table interactive discussions. I strive to be flexible and entertaining for all audiences. Send me a private message and let's discuss what would work best for you.
Featured Lectures (50min + Q&A)
Demystifying Binomial Nomenclature
An entertaining spin on an inherently dull topic! Why we use binomials, the basics of modern Latin grammatical forms, and the etymology behind the most commonly used terms.
Overlooked Women of Early Mycology
Honoring the sadly short list of ladies who influenced the science of mycology prior to 1900
Mushrooms for Food, Medicine, and More
This is a great intro to the wonderous world of mycology! But even if you're already a seasoned forager, you're still guaranteed to learn something new too! This talk will go over historical and modern uses of mushrooms for food and medicine, as well as some other interesting uses in bushcraft, art, and more!
Buttons and Oysters and Shiitake, oh my!
Yes, the ubiquitous grocery store varieties -they're way less boring than you might think! In this lecture, you'll learn all the fun, fascinating, and fungal facts you didn't know you didn't know about the world's most commonly eaten mushrooms
The State of State Mushrooms
A deep dive into state symbols, origins and history of why we have them, all the official fungal symbols and some of the failures, plus how to write a bill and get it passed!
With so many fresh and exciting updates, this one changes every time I give it. You might call it my State of State Mushroom Address!
Medicinal Mushrooms Explained (by a highly skeptical person)
A lecture where we follow the science and take a hard look at all the claims made about the health benefits of various fungi. We'll learn what's been proven, disproven, and what needs further study. Potentially controversial, particularly if you're a fan of Chaga
(Spoiler Alert: I'm not).
Lectures Regionally Specific to the PNW
Morels and other Spring Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest
A spotlight on everyone's favorite spring mushroom! Plus all the other often overlooked spring fungi.
The *other* Spring Mushrooms
Sick of morels? This is a focus on all the other interesting and often overlooked spring fungi of the Pacific Northwest
The Matsutake Talk
History and culture behind all the Tricholoma species we commonly call Matsutake, with some extra focus on the ones found in the Pacific Northwest.
(this can be adjusted to appeal to audiences nationwide)
Workshops
All workshops are an immersive experience at the crossroads of art and mycology. Participants discuss a variety of entertaining mycological topics with me while working on a relaxing mushroom craft project.
Build your own Tiny Mushroom Terrarium
Using dehydrated mushrooms and heat/color treated moss and lichens, participants create a magical display under a tiny glass cloche dome or sphere on wood base. Perfect for your dollhouse, fairy garden, or curio shelf. Bonus: You can build a tiny mushroom crystal ball/orbuculum too.
Make your own Mushroom Terrarium Pendant
Similar concept to the terrarium workshop. Using dehydrated mushrooms and heat/color treated moss and lichens, participants create a beautiful 'living' display on a half dome pendant in silver tone or antique copper finish.
Paint your own Mushroom Medallion or Ornament Slip Cast from Vintage Molds
Participants use acrylic paints to paint bisqueware made from vintage (1970s) Arnel's Mushrooms slip cast molds. The medallions and/or ornaments are made in advance and fired.
Paint Mushrooms with Themselves
Learn how to make paint and ink from various color giving mushrooms and lichens, then paint pictures of mushrooms with paint made from the very mushrooms you're painting!
Make your own Mushroom Cabochon Jewelry
Using clear flatback glass cabochons, participants can set tiny myco artworks into a variety of findings from rings, pendants, hairpins, bookmarks, and more. Participants can either illustrate their own tiny original artworks to use in this project, or use provided printed vintage mushroom art. This is a very easy project for people of all ages and skill level. It can be a stand-alone workshop or it can be incorporated as part of an interactive lecture or foray.
Low-tech Mushroom Cultivation for the Home Gardener or Permaculturist
Learn how to incorporate easy-to-grow gourmet mushrooms such as oysters, wine caps, and huitlacoche(corn smut) into your vegetable garden using low-tech/high-success methods that anyone can employ. This is a workshop I have given in the past and may offer again, when specific resources and location are available.
Forays and Walks
I can lead a variety of foray types depending on the need. From, ecology walks, vouchering, foraging, or a blend of all of the above. Take Note: I like to keep an open mind when planning a foray, as ultimately it's the mushrooms that tell the story and they fruit when they want. A scientific foray might turn into a foray for food if the Porcini are popping, and we certainly won't turn our noses up at Chanterelles if we come across them during a Candy Cap hunt.
Ecology Walks
On these casual little adventures, we will walk along the trail and identify any mushrooms we find while discussing their role in the environment and ecosystem. We will learn what value they might have to humans as food, medicine, crafts, and any other interesting lore. These walks are great in city parks where harvesting is not permitted, but there is still plenty of nature to observe. This also makes them more accessible for parents with children or those with mobility issues.
Foray for Science
Students learn how to observe and voucher specimens for scientific research! We will download and use the Seek and iNaturalist aps on our phones and learn how to make a successful observation for iNat. We will also fill out field data slips and learn how to properly collect and preserve tissue samples for potential DNA sequencing! (Actual sequencing is dependent on project, sponsor, and funding.)
Foraging for Food
These forays target wild edible mushrooms in season. We will go to an area known for specific gourmet mushrooms when we know they are likely to be fruiting. We will discuss key identifying characteristics of the edibles we find, plus look-a-likes and other cautionary advice. These can be simple forays where we pick what we find and participants take them home to eat, or they can be fully immersive experiences where I cook and serve you in the woods.
Forays are generally in partnership with organizations that carry liability insurance and require participants to sign waivers. I emphasize safety in the woods. Participants must wear blaze orange and carry whistles. I will cancel forays due to high wind and severe weather.
I've partnered with the following organizations:
