The MycoResearch Station at Circle Acres is a volunteer-run outdoor space for growing, learning, and experimenting with fungi. We are lucky to have built a relationship with a local mushroom farm that provides us with their spent blocks. These blocks have already produced once or twice, but they will keep producing if kept in the right environment!
Prior to social distancing measures, we would bring in volunteers and host workshops at the site. Recently, we have been maintaining the site and passing along the mushrooms we grow to Food Not Bombs - a non-profit that cooks vegan meals for local houseless populations.
Courtney, our program manager, recently built a wooden box with a glass window to be able to watch the mycelium grow - ant farm style! We are excited to get this started and use this new tool to educate the public.
While we are not hosting volunteer days right now, the site is still open for people to come walk around and harvest mushrooms! Just make sure you know what you’re collecting. If it’s coming from our mushroom beds or greenhouse, it’s more than likely safe to consume, but it’s still good to have some basic identification knowledge!
We are always looking for new project ideas and ways to educate more people about mycology. If you have an idea, want to learn more, or volunteer with us, please reach out to us on Instagram (@mycoresearchstation)!
Oyster and Pioppino mushrooms fruiting on mulch.
Pioppino Mushroom fruiting from spent block.