Instructor Zach Mermel will teach the basics of mushroom cultivation during “Food From Wood: Growing Edible &Medicinal Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps and Wood Chips” from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Wondering what to do with those undesirable exotic trees on the back 40? By teaming with certain fungi, you can turn that pesky plant problem into an edible solution.
A wonder drug or just darn tasty, the humble mushroom belongs to a kingdom seldom explored.
In this workshop, students will learn basic fungal biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials, particularly wooden logs, stumps and wood chips. They also will discover the health benefits of different edible and medicinal fungi in Hawaii.
Cost to attend is $50 for VAC members, $55 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Each participant will depart with a shiitake mushroom log kit, as well as a King Stropharia mushroom kit.
Participants will meet at the Niaulani Campus for a slideshow lecture then drive to Shaka Forest Farms on Wright Road in Volcano Village for the hands-on segment of the workshop. For more information or to register, call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road.