Taught by Mark Hainds, Author and Proprietor of Sweetbill's Enterprises, this hands-on class will offer participants the knowledge needed to produce their own edible mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, nameko, lion's mane, olive oysterling, giant Stropharia/wine cap and wood ear mushrooms.

Participants in this workshop will learn various production methods including: the “drill & fill” method using sawdust or dowels, the “totem method”, and the “woodchip/bed” method. Topics to be covered will be variables such as selecting and matching types of wood or substrates with the appropriate mycelia (mushroom spawn), sanitation, run time, harvesting methods, log and totem placement, and competing fungi. For those interested in bettering the environment, Mark will have specific recommendations for using invasive species on which mushrooms may be produced, such as parasol tree, tallow tree, tree of heaven and sawtooth oak.

All materials will be provided. Some of this program may happen outdoors, so don't forget to dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring along anything else you might need to enjoy time outdoors in this season. In the event of severe weather, programs may have to be canceled.

Make sure to arrive 20 minutes before your event and check in at the Welcome Center.

Please read and sign the general liability waiver before attending. Each adult attendee must sign this waiver to participate. Parents/legal guardians must sign a waiver for each child participating.