Cumming Nature Center > Programs & Events
MYCO MANIA (Fungi Festival)
Explore the wonders of mushrooms and other fungi during Myco Mania at CNC!
ABOUT THE EVENT
The world of fungi is complex, profound, and integral to life on Earth. During Myco Mania, you can delve into the fascinating world of fungi with curiosity-provoking presentations, hands-on activities, expert-led hikes, and more.
At Myco Mania you can…
🍄 Enjoy presentations and demonstrations from regional experts on mushroom identification, cultivation, medicinal mushrooms, mushroom dyeing, and more!
🪵 Get up close and personal to the fungi of our region with the Rochester Area Mycological Association (RAMA)
🥾 Take a hike (or more than one!) to learn about mushrooms and lichens out on the trail
🍃 Check out fungi-focused vendors and explore other fungi-related activities around the Nature Center—we’ll have options for all ages!
We will have a limited supply of mushroom soup (plus a non-mushroom option!) and rolls available for purchase during the lunch hour. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch if you prefer!
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
WORKSHOPS
This year, we will also be offering three mushroom-themed workshops the day of the event. Click on the workshop title to learn more & register.
Note: registering for one of these sessions will cover your entrance fee for Myco Mania as well.
- Wool-Felted Mushrooms Workshop (10am – 12pm)
- Oyster Mushroom Bucket Cultivation Workshop (1 – 2pm)
- Log Inoculation Workshop (2:30 – 3:30pm)
BASKET RAFFLE
Wear a fungi-themed outfit for a free raffle ticket for our basket raffle! Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase. The beautiful stained glass piece below, created by CNC staff member Rory, will be one of the items in the raffle!
schedule of activities
Click here to download the DRAFT schedule as a PDF. Activity times may be subject to change.
Want to Learn MORE ABOUT SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES?
SIMPLE WAYS TO GROW MUSHROOMS AT HOME
This session covers the steps for three inoculations: shiitake logs, wine cap in the garden, and lions mane on wood pellets – three easy ways to start growing mushrooms for food, medicine, and fun! Join Steve Gabriel of Wellspring Forest Farm and get growing!
MUSHROOM DYE 101
A curated display and talk introducing the amazing dye colors that can be found in fungi. Tonya will share about her journey discovering community and mushroom colors, and invite you to experience the wonder with her.
HIKE & DRAW MUSHROOMS WITH AN ARTIST
Join illustrator and educator Corinn Marriott and CNC’s knowledgeable and artistic Angela Cannon-Crothers on a guided nature sketchbooking walk. Learn about the mushrooms growing in our forest and some basic sketchbooking techniques. This workshop is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Participants should bring their own sketchbooking materials.
Presenters, TABLERS, & VENDORS
The following people, businesses, and organizations will be tabling, vending, or leading activities at this year’s event:
Alanna Dolen: Kids’ Activities, Hike Leader
Angela Cannon-Crothers: Hike Leader
— Angela is a naturalist, avid keeper of a field journal, writer and poet. She leads the Forest School and Field Studies Programs at CNC and at offsite public schools.
Christin Lersch: Workshop Leader
Corinn Marriott: Hike Leader, Vendor selling mushroom-themed art
— Corinn Marriott is an illustrator, muralist, and educator from the Finger Lakes region of NY whose work celebrates nature and the beauty of her home.
Finger Lakes Mushrooms: Vendor selling various edible mushrooms
The Fun Guys: Vendor selling grow kits
Kokoro Naturopathic Medicine: Vendor selling mushroom supplements, tea, & crystal carved fungi
Life Art Fungi: Vendor selling prints, shirts, & bags
Marie Heerkens: Vendor selling books, crafts, jewelry, & art
Maureen Dunphy: Kids Activities, Hike Leader
Moshier’s Mushrooms: Demo Leader, Vendor selling hats, bags, decor, tinctures, teas, various mushrooms, grow kits, & more!
Rochester Area Mycological Association (RAMA): Presentation & Myco Moments Leader, Tabling about all things fungi!
Shannon Nix: Hike Leader
Spore & Sprig Farm: Workshop & Myco Moment/Demo Leader, Vendor selling fresh & dried mushrooms, sporify your property services, recipes, seasonings, & artist-designed grow kits
Tonya Pettit: Workshop & Demo Leader
Wellspring Forest Farm (available until ~1pm): Presentation & Myco Moment/Demo Leader, Tabling about upcoming book on mushroom farming
Admission
$15 for Adults
$9 for children 7-17 (Children 6 & under are free)
