π Mushroom Mania Festival 2025
Discover the Hidden Mycelium Superhighway Beneath Your Feet
Important Safety Notice
There is risk in collecting wild mushrooms. Illness and even death can occur from ingesting wild mushrooms. Always consult experts and never consume unidentified fungi. At Zombie Mushrooms, we recommend starting your mycology journey with our safe, tested grow kits! π§βοΈπ
π Festival Overview
Whether mushrooms make your mouth water or make you scrunch your nose, there's no denying these fascinating organisms are among the most crucial players in our ecosystem. From decomposition champions to healing wonders, fungi create an intricate underground network that supports all life above ground.
The Mushroom Mania Festival welcomes both seasoned mycologists and curious beginners to explore the captivating world of fungi through hands-on workshops, expert presentations, guided nature walks, and family-friendly activities. This comprehensive celebration transforms the beautiful grounds of the Adirondack Experience into a mycological wonderland where learning meets adventure.
π‘ Why Attend This Festival?
- Learn from renowned mycologists and regional experts
- Hands-on mushroom cultivation workshops
- Guided foraging walks through pristine Adirondack forests
- Family-friendly activities and educational games
- Artisan vendors and local producers showcase
- Professional mushroom identification services
π Location & Event Details
ποΈ Venue Information
Location: Adirondack Experience
Full Name: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
Address: Blue Mountain Lake, NY
Setting: Historic museum campus with pristine forest trails
π Event Schedule
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Duration: Full-day event (7 hours)
Weather: Rain or shine (thunderstorms may cancel outdoor activities)
π² About the Venue
The Adirondack Experience sits in the heart of the Adirondack Park, surrounded by millions of acres of protected wilderness. This spectacular location provides the perfect backdrop for mushroom exploration, with diverse forest ecosystems hosting an incredible variety of fungi species. The museum's extensive trail system, including the popular Minnow Pond Trail, offers pristine habitats for mushroom discovery and education.
π€ Featured Speakers & Experts
Dr. Timothy J. Baroni
Distinguished Professor Emeritus, SUNY Cortland
Author of "Mushrooms of Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada"
π Presentation: "Adirondack Mushrooms β The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful"
Dr. Baroni brings decades of global biodiversity research experience to the festival. As a world-renowned mycologist, he has dedicated his career to understanding macrofungi across different ecosystems. His expertise spans from taxonomic classification to ecological relationships, making him one of the most respected voices in North American mycology.
π Notable Achievements:
- Author of three influential books on fungi identification and taxonomy
- Co-authored "How to Identify Mushrooms to Genus VI" with David L. Largent
- Authored comprehensive revision of the genus Rhodocybe Maire
- Global researcher focusing on macrofungi biodiversity
- Timber Press field guide contributor for northeastern mushroom identification
Susan Van Hook
Regional Mycologist & Healing Arts Practitioner
48 Years of Fungi Research Experience
π± Presentation: "Capturing Carbon in the Soil Sponge with Fungi"
Sue brings a unique holistic perspective to mycology, combining scientific rigor with spiritual understanding of fungi. Her extensive background in taxonomy and ecology, enhanced by certifications in healing arts, offers festival attendees a comprehensive view of how fungi contribute to environmental and human wellness.
πΏ Special Workshop: "Mushroom Whispering Walk in the Woods"
Limited spaces available - a mindful exploration connecting with fungi on a deeper level
π Qualifications & Expertise:
- Nearly five decades studying fungi taxonomy and ecology
- Specialist in mycorrhizal fungi and their plant relationships
- Expert in carbon cycle dynamics and soil health
- Certified in Healing Touch and Shamanic Journeying
- Active Dreamwork practitioner bringing quantum reality perspectives
- Consultant, teacher, and writer in retirement
Tina Ellor
Commercial Cultivation Specialist
BS Biology, MS University of Maine
π Presentation: "Culinary and Medicinal Mushrooms: Eat Them, Grow Them, Tell All Your Friends!"
From basement mold gardens as a child to pioneering commercial mushroom cultivation research, Tina's journey represents the evolution of modern mycology. Her practical experience with oyster mushroom cultivation on unconventional substrates has contributed significantly to sustainable mushroom farming practices.
π¬ Research & Innovation:
- Pioneered oyster mushroom cultivation on rice straw in California's Central Valley
- Graduate research on growing oyster mushrooms using paper mill sludge substrates
- Specialist in sustainable cultivation methods using industrial waste products
- Rural Vermont upbringing fostering deep connection with wild mushrooms
- Lifelong advocate for accessible mushroom cultivation education
Bernie Carr
Forest Ecology & Mycorrhizal Specialist
Former Central NY Mycological Society President
π³ Presentation: "Trees and Fungi: How Do They Relate"
Bernie's extensive background in environmental consulting and botanical surveying provides a comprehensive understanding of forest ecosystems. His decade-long leadership in mycological societies and coordination of major forays demonstrates his commitment to advancing public understanding of fungi-forest relationships.
π Professional Background:
- Former President of Central New York Mycological Society (10 years)
- Current member of Mid-York Mycological Society
- Chaired 2011 Northeast Mycological Federation Foray at Paul Smith's College
- Coordinated field trips for North American Mycological Association
- Retired environmental consultant with specialization in botany
- Professional endangered species surveyor
Dorothy Smullen
Lichen Specialist & Environmental Indicator Expert
MS Biology, Brooklyn College
π¬ Presentation: "Lichens: Connections to the Outdoors"
Dorothy's expertise extends beyond traditional mycology into the fascinating world of lichens - the symbiotic partnerships between fungi and algae. Her extensive workshop experience and contributions to major mycological publications make her an invaluable resource for understanding these often-overlooked organisms.
π¨ Specialized Knowledge:
- Nearly 50 years with New Jersey Mycological Association (since 1975)
- Attended five prestigious Tuckerman Lichen Foray workshops across multiple states
- Expert in lichen structural groups: crustose, foliose, and fruticose
- Specialist in lichen uses including natural dye production for wool
- Authority on lichens as air pollution indicators
- Published contributor to North American Mycological Association website
- Regular presenter at mycological societies and garden clubs
Garrett Kopp
Entrepreneur & Certified Mushroom Identification Expert
Founder of Birch Boys, Clarkson University Business Graduate
β‘ Presentation: "Functional Fungi - Elementary Mycology Crash Course"
At just 24 years old, Garrett represents the new generation of mycological entrepreneurs who blend traditional knowledge with modern business practices. His journey from teenage Chaga harvester to successful business owner demonstrates the commercial potential of sustainable fungi cultivation and harvesting.
π’ Birch Boys Enterprise:
220,000 acres of private Adirondack land under sustainable management β’ 20,000+ customers across all 50 states β’ Handmade Chaga-based products including teas, tinctures, and skincare
π Professional Journey:
- Started harvesting Chaga at age 15 with grandmother
- Tupper Lake native with deep Adirondack roots
- Business education from Clarkson University
- Certified mushroom identification expert
- Licensed New York State guide
- Sustainable wild harvesting advocate
- Young entrepreneur bridging traditional practices with modern commerce
