For the Love of Fungi Mushroom & Arts Festival, New York

The "For the Love of Fungi" event at Stone Mountain Farm in New York featured educational activities, guided mushroom forays, art, cooking demonstrations, and a focus on the importance of fungi in ecosystems, leaving attendees with a newfound appreciation for these remarkable organisms.

October 25, 2023

Merlin Sheldrake

FFungi Staff

UK Policy Lead

FFungi Volunteer

The "For the Love of Fungi" event at Stone Mountain Farm in New York was a mycophile's dream. Our Education Lead from the Fungi Foundation, Diana Richards, showcased our Fungi Education program and engaged kids and adults in a fun activity exploring the differences between Flora, Fauna, and Funga.

The event featured guided mushroom forays in the forest with our friends at Catskill Fungi and The Fungal Diversity Survey (FUNDIS), enlightening participants about the diversity of fungi. Attendees also explored the artistic potential of fungi and learned to grow mushrooms at home. Cooking enthusiasts received tips on using gourmet mushrooms, while a variety of fungi-based products were available for purchase. The artisanal marketplace displayed handmade goods, herbal remedies, and fungal-inspired art. Delicious local food and drinks were served, enhancing the event's ambiance. Melany Kahn, author of the children’s book “Mason Goes Mushrooming,” put on an amazing cooking demonstration with the foraged mushrooms from the day and recipes from her book. 

Our Education Lead introduced the Fungi Education program, designed to foster a deeper understanding of the vital role fungi play in our ecosystems. Participants of all ages were engaged in an activity that explored the differences between Flora, Fauna, and Funga, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the often-overlooked fungi.

As the sun set on this remarkable event, we left with a sense of wonder and admiration for the world of fungi. Thanks to Luke Sarrantonio from Mycophilic for organizing the "For the Love of Fungi'' festival that provided a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate these incredible organisms. We're excited to continue our journey in educating and raising awareness about the importance of fungi, and we can't wait to share more with you in the future. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events and programs from the Fungi Foundation – the adventure has only just begun!