Sponsored by wholesun wellness
Events
Friday, SEPT 6 6:00 p.m.
Opening Night
Psychedelic Medicine Panel & Film Screening
Second Summit Hard Cider
Join industry-leading educators, mental health practitioners, and activists to discuss the present and future of psychedelic medicines, plus a screening that explores their links to Utah's past.
**Must be 21 years or older to attend**
In this festival-favorite, you’ll learn from those at the forefront of psychedelic medicine, exploring how accessibility and past prohibitions are shaping the future of these revolutionary medicines.
- Reid Robison, MD, MBA – Chief Clinical Officer at Numinus
- James McConchie – Founder, Haight Street Shroom Shop, Cofounder of DecrimSF
- Seth Warner – Author of Welcome to Psilocybin, Founder of Hikerdose, Decriminalization Organizer
Following the panel, join us for a screening of Entheomagus. This documentary explores the potentially psychedelic origins of Mormonism, along with a groundbreaking new view on the history of psychedelics in America, with ripples leading up to the psychedelic renaissance that began at Harvard University in the 1960s.
Be sure to join creators Bryce Blankenagel, Alex Criddle, Brandon Crockett, and Cody Noconi as they host a post-film discussion to cap Psychedelic Night.
Saturday, SEPT 7
Main Conference
Clubhouse
(850 E South Temple) SLC
Join us for a full day of mushroom identification, cultivation, medicinal benefits, psilocybin, mycoremediation, and more. All ages welcome!
This year’s lineup of experts and educators will share their knowledge throughout the day, along with workshops you won’t want to miss:
- Jacob DeVecchio – Oklahoma Fungi
- Rowan Nygard – Entomopathogenic Fungi
- Leila Darwish – Mycoremediation: Fungal Collaborations for Climate Resilience, Toxic Realities, & Ecological Regeneration
- Dèjon Wallace and Ryan Thomas – Cultivation Workshop
- Seth Warner – “Welcome to Psilocybin”
- Jacob DeVecchio – Mycomaterials
- Reid Robison MD, MBA – Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
- Mark Donsky, Ph.D. – Mammoth Mountain Mushrooms/Hemp
- Seth Warner – Cultivation Workshop
- James McConchie – Cofounder of DecrimSF, Owner of HSSS
- Jme Bonfiglio – Owner of WholeSun Wellness, Utah Fungi Festival Founder
- Alan Rockefeller – Mushroom Identification Specialist and Photographer
- Tyler Hacking – Industrial and Medical Mycological Technologies
- Jeff and Tracy Tassill – Amica Science
Sunday, SEPT 8
10 AM - 2 PM Outdoor Forays
Locations will vary
SUNDAY, SEPT 8
7 PM - 9 PM
Second Summit Hard Cider
After Party
Conference Schedule
| F R I D A Y ( 9/6 ) Psychedelic Night | |
|---|---|
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Panel: Reid Robison, James McConchie and Seth Warner |
| 7:00-8:00 PM | Screening of Entheomagus |
| 8:00-9:00 PM | Post film discussion with cast: Bryce Blankenagel, Alex Criddle, Brandon Crockett, and Cody Noconi |
| S A T U R D A Y ( 9/7 ) Conference | |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:50 AM | Talk: Jacob DeVecchio (Oklahoma Fungi) |
| 10:00-10:50 AM | Talk: Rowan Nygard: Entomopathogenic Fungi |
| 11:00-11:50 AM | Talk: Leila Darwish: Mycoremediation: Fungal Collaborations for Climate Resilience, Toxic Realities, & Ecological Regeneration |
| 12:00-12:50 PM | Talk: Seth Warner: on his book "Welcome to Psilocybin" |
| 12:50-1:20 PM | Break |
| 1:20-2:10 PM | Talk: Reid Robison: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy |
| 2:20-3:10 PM | Marc Donsky: Introduction to Medicinal Mushrooms Part Two: Ethnomycology: From Paleolithic Sites to Salt Lake City |
| 3:20-4:10 PM | Talk: James McConchie: Cofounder of Decrim SF, Ownder of Haight Street Shroom Shop |
| 4:20-5:10 PM | Talk: Jeff and Tracy Tassil: Functional For You, Functional For Them: An Impact of Medicinal Mushrooms on Canines, Felines, and Canis Lupus |
| 5:20-5:50 PM | Break |
| 5:50-6:40 PM | Talk: Tyler Hacking: Industrial & Medical Mycological Technologies |
| 6:50-7:05 PM | Talk: Jme Bonfiglio owner of WholeSun Wellness and founder of the Utah Fungi Fest |
| 7:15-8:15 PM | Alan Rockefeller |
| S A T U R D A Y ( 9/7 ) Workshops | |
|---|---|
| 10:30-12:00 PM | Workshop: Dejon Wallace and Ryan Thomas Cordyceps Cultivation Workshop |
| 12:30-1:30 PM | Workshop: Jacob DeVecchio on Mycomaterials |
| 2:30-3:30 PM | Workshop: Seth Warner: Ready? Set. Grow! Intro To Psilocybin Mushroom Cultivation Class |
| S U N D A Y ( 9/8 ) Forays | |
|---|---|
| 10:00–2:00 PM | Forays with MSU |
| 7:00-9:00 PM | After Party at Second Summit Cider |
Speakers
Jacob devecchio
Founder, Oklahoma Fungi, Oklahoma Mushroom Festival
“Each One Teach One” celebrates the joy of sharing mushroom knowledge to foster
a vibrant and connected community. By educating each other on mushroom identification,
cultivation, foraging, and utilization, we promote sustainable practices and enhance local food
security. This engaging presentation demonstrates how collaborative learning strengthens
community bonds, empowers individuals, and promotes environmental stewardship. Join us in
exploring the fascinating world of fungi and contribute to building a healthier, happier
community together.
Jacob DeVecchio is an entrepreneur with a mushroom business called “Oklahoma Fungi.” He was raised in Oklahoma City and is the first in his family to cultivate and forage mushrooms. He started Oklahoma Fungi in 2020 to provide mushroom cultivation supplies and free educational opportunities for his local community. He also started the Oklahoma Mushroom Festival in 2023 to help foster the booming mushroom community in Oklahoma.
Rowan Nygard
Horticulturist, Educator
Rowan will take us through some of the most interesting fungi around, the insect-colonizing entomopaths. Like cordyceps and many more, we’ll explore the unique life-cycles of these fungi, and how they mesh with their environments and food chains.
Rowan Nygard grew up exploring the creeks and forests around the Eno River State Park in Durham, North Carolina. There he found a deep appreciation of nature, and a desire to know more about the natural world around him. This search led him to a career in horticulture, and to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the Professional Horticulture Program at Longwood Gardens and hopes to bring his skillset to the gardens and ecosystems of Southern Appalachia. During this process of discovery, he has immersed himself in the study of ecology, with a focus on mycology and the ways that plants, animals, and fungi interact. He is a passionate citizen scientist and educator and hopes to demystify the world of ecology so that everyone can see deeper into the natural world around them.
Leila Darwish
Bioremediator, Author, Community Organizer, Disaster Response & Recovery Worker
How can we work with fungi to detox, heal, and regenerate contaminated soils and waters? This talk will cover the many ways we can work with fungi to respond to climate disasters, toxic legacies, and environmental destruction. We will explore different mycoremediation strategies, and how fungi can be integrated alongside plants and bacteria for comprehensive and collaborative ecological remediation and regeneration. The talk will highlight amazing mycoremediators and innovative projects happening on the ground, including mycofiltration, post-wildfire mycoremediation, and working with fungi to clean up contaminated sites. Finally, we will explore key myco allies in protecting and healing our own bodies from daily toxicity and exposures.
Leila Darwish (she/her) is a community organizer, author, educator, and bioremediation specialist with a deep commitment to providing accessible and regenerative tools for communities dealing with the toxic contamination of lands and waters. For over a decade, she has taught bioremediation courses and consulted on projects globally in North America, Europe, and Palestine. Leila is the author of “Earth Repair: A Grassroots Guide to Healing Toxic and Damaged Landscapes” (New Society Publishers). She currently works as the Mycorestoration and Bioremediation Specialist for the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition in Northern BC. Her love of fungi extends beyond mycoremediation to include healing and medicine, and her current favorite mushroom is Lion’s Mane.
Seth Warner
Author, Founder of Hikerdose, Decriminalization Activist
Welcome to Psilocybin: An Introduction to Responsible Use. Loosely based on his book, “Welcome to Psilocybin,” author Seth Warner introduces newcomers to the responsible use of psilocybin mushrooms. This talk demystifies psilocybin, covering its history, benefits, and best practices for safe and mindful use. Seth will discuss the basics of psilocybin, its cultural significance, therapeutic potential, and the science behind its effects. He will also touch on essential concepts such as set and setting, dosage guidelines, and the current legal landscape. Additionally, the talk will include brief opportunities for participants to reflect on their intentions, directions, and sense of community, with moments set aside for journaling. This session is perfect for those curious about psilocybin for personal growth, mental health, or expanding their knowledge.
Seth Warner is a mycology and psychedelic advocate with over fifteen years of experience using mushrooms. He is the author of “Welcome to Psilocybin.” Passionate about sharing knowledge, Seth has refined his teaching methods to create the greatest impact for his students. He believes everyone should have the opportunity to not only try mushrooms for personal growth, exploration, and healing but also to cultivate a relationship with these potent fungal allies.
Recognizing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms, Seth has spent years in psychedelic advocacy. His work led him to help build the SF Psychedelic Society, which he was involved with until May 2021. Seth also played a key role in Oakland’s successful campaign to decriminalize psilocybin and other plant and fungi-derived entheogenic compounds, working with Decriminalize Nature. He is the founder of Hikerodose, focusing on integrating nature with psychedelic experiences.
Currently, Seth pursues his passion of bringing accessible and empowering psychedelic education to Bay Area residents, focusing on cultivation techniques, responsible use, and community building. His book, “Welcome to Psilocybin,” serves as a comprehensive introductory guide for those interested in exploring the world of psilocybin mushrooms.
Workshop: CORDYCEPS CULTIVATION with Dejon Wallace & Ryan Thomas
This comprehensive class delves into the fascinating world of cultivating cordyceps, a prized medicinal mushroom known for its health benefits. Participants will learn about the biology of cordyceps, ideal growing conditions, and substrate preparation. The course includes hands-on training in inoculation techniques, incubation, and fruiting processes. Students will also receive guidance on troubleshooting common cultivation issues and tips for harvesting and processing the mushrooms. By the end of the class, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully grow cordyceps at home.
Dèjon is originally from Pennsylvania and has been residing in Utah since 2016. He is an ISA certified arborist with a passion for cultivating mushrooms, which he got involved with in 2020.
Ryan Thomas is a hobbyist mushroom cultivator, gardener, beekeeper, animal lover, and PINA certified permaculture designer through Oregon State University. He grew up on a raspberry farm and cattle ranch in Kamas, Utah before eventually moving to Salt Lake City in 2008. Ryan is passionate for learning about biodiversity in nature and how to implement it into an urban setting. He is continuously working towards his goals of educating the community on how to introduce simple natural systems into their own lives that move to a more sustainable ecological lifestyle. Follow along on all social media platforms: @SaltyGrows
workshop: Mycomaterials with Jacob Devecchio
Join our hands-on workshop to explore the fascinating world of mushroom materials. Discover how to grow these sustainable, biodegradable materials from simple, accessible ingredients. We’ll guide you through fun, creative projects that transform mycelium into practical, eco-friendly items.
This workshop emphasizes the science and the art of working with mushrooms and is perfect for families, DIY enthusiasts, and eco-conscious creators.
Jacob DeVecchio is an entrepreneur with a mushroom business called “Oklahoma Fungi.” He was raised in Oklahoma City and is the first in his family to cultivate and forage mushrooms. He started Oklahoma Fungi in 2020 to provide mushroom cultivation supplies and free educational opportunities for his local community. He also started the Oklahoma Mushroom Festival in 2023 to help foster the booming mushroom community in Oklahoma.
Buy tickets for this workshop here. (Spaces limited, first come first served).
Reid Robison, MD, MBA
Founder and Attending Psychiatrist of Cedar Psychiatry, Chief Clinical Officer, Numinus
This presentation will cover the neurochemical properties of psilocybin, including its proposed mechanism of action in the brain and how it enhances neuroplasticity and may accelerate the therapeutic process. We will also review the history behind the medicinal use of psilocybin and its potential clinical applications. Additionally, this talk will address mechanisms of change in therapy and how psychedelics, including psilocybin, might accelerate the process of healing and growth.
Reid Robison, MD MBA, is a board-certified psychiatrist and psychedelic clinical researcher. Reid co-founded Cedar Psychiatry now a part of Numinus, to make evidence-based, innovative mental health care more accessible, and grew that to 4 clinics in Utah, and supervised the clinicians doing over 75,000 mental health visits each year, and over 12,000 ketamine or spravato sessions per year.
Reid obtained his first grant to study ketamine back in 2010, and around that time led the Utah site for a pivotal IV ketamine study for treatment-resistant depression in collaboration with Janssen. Reid has led over 250 clinical trials in psychiatry, and is currently senior principal investigator at Numinus, and has DEA authorization on his schedule I license to study psilocybin, LSD, DMT and other compounds. Reid previously served as coordinating investigator for the MAPS-sponsored MDMA-assisted psychotherapy study of eating disorders. He, and the team at Numinus, have been the top enrolling site for a number of important phase II and III psychedelic studies.
Reid has also facilitated retreats with psilocybin in Jamaica and ayahuasca in Latin America, and Additionally, he serves as Medical Director of Center for Change (an eating disorder treatment facility), is volunteer faculty at the University of Utah, UVU and BYU, and was founder of the non-profit organizations Polizzi Free Clinic and Psychedelic Institute.
Marc Donsky, PH.D.
Researcher, Mammoth Mountain Hemp/Mushrooms, Colorado Mycological Society
Ethnomycology: From Paleolithic
Sites to Salt Lake City, Utah 2024.
Topics will include:Archeological and Historical Uses of Functional Mushrooms,
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): 5 Element Theory & Major Fungi in Medicinal
Formulations in TCM, Functional Mushrooms- Delicious Dinners, Current Research and
Medical Use: Japan, China. Taiwan. Korea. Africa. Europe. America.
Marc A. Donsky, Ph.D. has a life long love, connection, and interest in plants and fungi. We have been growing mushrooms since 1976. Working, simply, on a gas stove, we cultured our first mushrooms from spore prints we made from P.c. mushrooms collected in a cow field outside of Palenque, Mexico. We received a B.S. in Biology and B.S. Chemistry from the University of Arizona, Tucson. 1981 Peru. Floated headwaters of the Amazon: collecting plants for the Denver Botanical Gardens and Dr. Andrew Weil; 1982; University of California, Berkeley. M.S. in Organic Chemistry: Ph.D. in Comparative Biochemistry: Emphasis Natural Products. 1996 Established Mammoth Mountain Mushrooms / Mammoth Mountain Hemp (2015) as an outlet for our Soaps*Lotions*Potions. 2000-2010 We taught Organic and Biochemistry at the University of Colorado Denver. Our research group was focused on all things Fungal: Culture/Cultivation; Chemistry; Bioremediation. 2010-2015 Dr. Donsky worked in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Director of Research / V.P Canabinoid Science: Irish Canadian Bioresearch / Boreal Technologies: Cannabinoid and Hemp Science. His current project is helping facilitate/establish/create a community accessible Mushroom “Maker” Facility: Located in Golden, Colorado; the Brain Child of Kyle Herlache.
Workshop: Cultivation with Seth Warner
Enjoy this rare opportunity to get your hands dirty with the guy who wrote the book (literally!) on psilocybe cultivation. His years of experience demystify the setup, growing, and harvesting process for any mushroom you could wish for. You’ll walk away with a newfound respect and relationship for these fungal organisms.
Seth Warner is a mycology and psychedelic advocate with over fifteen years of experience using mushrooms. He is the author of “Welcome to Psilocybin.” Passionate about sharing knowledge, Seth has refined his teaching methods to create the greatest impact for his students. He believes everyone should have the opportunity to not only try mushrooms for personal growth, exploration, and healing but also to cultivate a relationship with these potent fungal allies.
Recognizing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms, Seth has spent years in psychedelic advocacy. His work led him to help build the SF Psychedelic Society, which he was involved with until May 2021. Seth also played a key role in Oakland’s successful campaign to decriminalize psilocybin and other plant and fungi-derived entheogenic compounds, working with Decriminalize Nature. He is the founder of Hikerodose, focusing on integrating nature with psychedelic experiences.
Currently, Seth pursues his passion of bringing accessible and empowering psychedelic education to Bay Area residents, focusing on cultivation techniques, responsible use, and community building. His book, “Welcome to Psilocybin,” serves as a comprehensive introductory guide for those interested in exploring the world of psilocybin mushrooms.
James Mcconchie
Cofounder, DecrimSF, Owner of Haight Street Shroom Shop
Psychedelic and psychoactive mushroom safety; what consumers should know. Topics will include the “stigma” around Amanita mushrooms and how they’re being mislabeled in products or not even present. Product recalls for some of these co-called “psychedelic” gummies and chocolates.
“Myco” James McConchie is a mycology and psychedelic educator, decriminalization advocate, and founder of the Haight Street Shroom Shop in San Francisco CA. HSSS is the country’s first educational workshop space dedicated to mycology and psychedelic education. James also hosts the Psychedelic Coffee Shop, a live forum podcast discussion with industry professionals and community members on the current state of psychedelics. Additionally, James is also a cofounder of decrimSF.org. Which successfully brought forward broad decriminalization/deprioritization language in September 2022 (resolution #220896). A unanimous decision was granted by the San Francisco board of supervisors to decriminalize personal use, cultivation and sharing of entheogenic plants, cacti and fungi in the city of San Francisco.
Jme Bonfiglio
Educator and Founder, WholeSun Wellness
As the founder of Utah Fungi Festival, Jme will discuss what motivated her to organize this event in Utah, and how to support the growth of a vibrant, active mycology community.
Jme Bonfiglio is not just a mycology expert; she’s a pioneer and educator dedicated to unveiling the miraculous benefits of mushrooms. With a childhood steeped in tribal healing traditions, mushrooms have always been at the heart of her wellness journey. Jme’s dedication and innovative mushroom-based formulas have earned her international recognition. Before founding WholeSun Wellness in 2017, Jme sharpened her skills with Host Defense in Utah and collaborated with Nammex as a supplier. During this time, she discovered a worrying lack of quality and transparency in mushroom supplements, a market often marred by subpar extraction methods and inconsistent raw materials. Determined to revolutionize the industry, Jme launched WholeSun Wellness, offering whole mushroom extracts that are both clinically potent and packed with verified therapeutic compounds. These products are pure, free from additives, and created with a transparent, traceable production process. At WholeSun Wellness, Jme oversees every stage, from cultivation to processing, ensuring top-notch quality in every product. Her unwavering commitment to excellence shines brightly in every offering. Beyond her company, Jme is the visionary behind the annual Utah Fungi Festival. This event celebrates the wonders of fungi, showcasing their potential to create positive change in the world and especially here in Utah.
Alan Rockefeller
Mushroom Identification Specialist, Photographer
Alan is a photographer, computer hacker, biohacker, and mushroom identification specialist who currently lives in Oakland California. In 2001 he began his autonomous studies in the field of mycology, beginning with the collection of fungi in California.
Since 2007, he has made annual trips to Mexico and has photographed more than 1,000 species that grow there, including rare bioluminescent and flourescent fungi. Alan has been profiled by National Geographic and Vice’s Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia for his expertise in rare psilocybe and muscimol species, several of which he was the first to formally classify.
Tyler Hacking
Founder, UVU Fungarium, Mycological Society of Utah; CEO, Dr. Gaia
Tyler’s ecological and chemistry research findings highlight several exciting developments for the application of mycology, using incredible fungal biology to transform our soils, industry, and healthcare.
Tyler is a research scientist who studies how fungi interact with plants and environmental chemistry. He founded the Utah Valley University mycology club, the UVU fungarium and the Mycological society of Utah. Academically, he has conducted research on fungal endophytes of endangered cacti, yeast flavor expression in bread and Morchella (morel) ecology. Tyler is also a photographer and enjoys documenting fungi at macroscopic and microscopic levels. He presents research at the mycological society of America conference and co-organized the first Utah fungi festival. In his agriculture businesses, Tyler consults for mushroom cultivators and farmers, and produces fungal composts and compost teas to transform Utah farmlands. He built a compost program for UVU and teaches soil transformation. Tyler is a chef and loves giving cooking demonstrations focused on the nutrition, molecular gastronomy and history of cooking with mushrooms. As CEO of Dr Gaia, Tyler focuses on agriculture and medical technologies with a fungal focus.
Jeff and Tracy Tassill
Founders, Alita Bioscience, Amica Science
Jeff started Alita Bioscience, one of the first companies to commercially test for beta-glucans in mushrooms. His background in engineering, strategy, and supply chain led him into various endeavors which eventually landed him to co-found Amica Science. He has drawn his passion from culinary arts and engineering, coupling it with the knowledge gained from years of testing experience to develop several novel products for Amica. He enjoys time with his family and two French bulldogs in Washington State.
Tracy is passionate about holistic health, the earth, and animals. Her journey as a creative has fueled her desire to create something unique and impactful. Inspired by art, nature, and the potential to make a meaningful difference, Tracy aspires to go beyond and create an even greater influence on her surroundings. Through Amica, she aims to express herself and build a community that shares her interests.
Vendors
About Us
OUR FOUNDER
Jme Bonfiglio is an educator, researcher, community builder, formulator, and the founder of WholeSun Wellness and the Utah Fungi Festival. She lectures to audiences worldwide on the benefits of medicinal mushrooms and to advocate for higher standards in mushroom cultivation and processing. She frequently collaborates with international partners to create a sustainable, empowering place for women in the industry.
For years Jme worked with established leaders in the mycology field. Seeing an opportunity to improve the quality and impact of medicinal mushrooms, Jme founded WholeSun Wellness in 2017. The company provides clinically-potent mushroom extracts with verifiable therapeutic levels of naturally-occurring medicinal compounds to consumers, retailers, and clinicians. Since its inception, WholeSun Wellness has become the raw bulk supplier for customers in 192 countries and driven new global standards for quality assurance testing. She is leveraging her partnerships with small farmers and processors to build the largest vertically-integrated medicinal mushroom operation in North America. Upon completion, the operation will create a reliable domestic supply of quality mushroom products while supporting family-owned and run businesses. Her vision is an interconnected, sustainable, and mutually-supportive network.
Jme also brings people together with the founding of the Utah Fungi Festival. The festival will attract speakers, researchers, and activists from across the country for three days of exploring and celebrating fungi.
Using her education and her passion, Jme has crafted dozens of custom mushroom blends. Many can be found in conventional and holistic medical clinics across the United States. She is currently creating new therapeutic formulas with psilocybin and laying the groundwork for psilocybin production.
As a researcher, Jme has been developing a mycological solution to single-use plastic, which she hopes will encourage complete-circle recycling. She has also been working to create sustainable building materials using mushroom biomass.
Jme has appeared at clinical conferences around the world. She has been a speaker at the World Fungi Conference 2019, Snowbrush Herbal Festival 2019, Utah Clean Air 2019, BotanicWise Women’s Herbal Gathering, Microdose Conference 2021, and the International Conference on Psychedelic Pharmacology and Applications 2022. She is a frequent podcast and radio guest speaking on the ancient wisdom of fungi, psilocybin, and the new standards of farming and processing mushrooms.
Our Mission
We believe in the power of fungi to contribute to the health of the planet and all beings that live here. To promote the use of mushrooms as sustainable resources, we introduce leaders, citizens, and business owners to fungi’s diverse ability to impact ecosystem remediation, permaculture, culinary practices, and personal health. By providing education from expert speakers and educators, we work to inspire environmental stewardship using the ancient wisdom of fungi.
Our Vision
We want to change the way the world thinks about mushrooms. Through fungi education with expert speakers, we aim to bring Utahns closer to their local environment and to advocate for fungi as sustainable resources for our personal and planetary health.
Why Mushrooms?
Mushrooms play a massive role in natural environments such as decomposing dead matter and partnering with plants for mutual benefit. Humans have a long history with these ecological giants, with evidence of consumption tracing back to the Upper Paleolithic Period between 18,000 and 12,000 years ago.
They’re already used as medicine, building materials, and biodegradable packaging. Mycological research shows mushrooms have versatile applications, grow quickly, and create no carbon emissions or waste. Such a low-impact resource will be crucial in our ability to adapt to ongoing climate change.
Why Utah?
We know that Utahns love their outdoors and want to connect them even more to their passions. But isn’t Utah too dry for mushrooms? Not at all! A quick drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon might reveal a cluster of Oyster mushrooms or a foray in the Uintas might include some Morels. Every ecosystem needs decomposers and, even in Utah, fungi are there to do the job.
Utah is also home to 660 species of bees — that’s one out of every four species endemic to the U.S. and fungi play a massive role in sustaining bee diversity and populations. Research already shows that mushroom mycelium helps bees fight diseases that contribute to colony collapse. Our state has the potential to make a massive impact on bee conservation.