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Calling all lovers of fungus and forest ecology! Join us for our 5th Annual Cumberland Fungus Fest featuring guided walks, films, talks, workshops, science pub, kids activities, art projects, forest feast and much more! October 3-5 2024 in and around the sweet Village of Cumberland.
FULL SCHEDULE IS NOW ONLINE!!!
LIMITED PASSES AVAILABLE! General Passes are $40.
YOUTH PASSES (18 and under) are $20. These get you access to the plenary presentations, films, panels, science pub, workshops, Fungus Bazaar, craft market and more.
Thursday evening features the annual Fungus Fest Science Pub launch event!
Friday afternoon features after school programs, walks, panel discussions, talks, workshops and hands on activities.
Friday evening is The Fungus Bazaar featuring art, crafts, projections, music, on theme beverages ad fireside conversations.
Saturday all day featured guided walks, workshops, panel discussions, presentations, kid and family programming and more
Saturday Night is the Cumberland Fungus Feast THIS IS A SEPERATE TICKETED EVENT. FIND TICKETS HERE
PLEASE NOTE: Guided walks require additional registration + fees.
We explore fungus through an ‘interdisciplinary lens’. This includes forest ecology, foraging ethics, traditional uses, functional mushrooms, climate change, death and decomposition, psychedelics, art, music, mythology and storytelling.
Featured presenters for 2024 include!
Ross Reid of Nerdy About Nature – Fun facts & deep thoughts for a better tomorrow @nerdyaboutnature aims to educate and activate its viewers around issues with forest management, climate change and restoration ecology and everything in between.
Andy MacKinnon – Ecologist, author, activist and enthusiastic ambassador for BC’s ectomycorrhizal fungal species
Dawn Copeman – Avid forest explorer, community historian, artist, photographer and ‘naturalist in residence’ for the Cumberland Forest Society
Erik Piikkila – Forest and Watershed Ecologist, Ecosystem Decoder
Jordan Benner – Professional forester and forest ecologist with a focus on indigenous cultural resources and stewardship strategies
Vanessa Sharkey and Cory Cliff – Knowledge holders, Lekwiltok First Nation, CorVee Forest Foragers
Kent Brothers – an amateur (understatement!) mycologist with a keen interest in biodiversity in general and macro fungi in particular
Heather Soo – Professional forester and mushroom enthusiast and founder of the mid island mycological society!
Tasha Lavdosky – Ecological/media artist & amateur lichenologist
Phillipa Joly – nature educator and a clinical/ community herbalist
Adrian Oberg – Community consultant, counselor and co founder of the Victoria Association for Psychedelic Studies
RootZ – Educator and wild child at heart with 20+ years experience guiding beings of all ages and abilities in creative programs and wild open spaces.
Kester Reid – co-founder of Fianna Wilderness School which brings nature connection schooling to kids and youth, and cultural work to adults focused on relationship to place, heritage, and soul.
and many more!!!!!
The fungus festivities kick off Thursday afternoon with school engagement programs, walks and talks and a special evening Science Pub and Panel. Friday features walks, talks, after school programs, workshops and a fungus-themed night market and festivities called the Fungus Bazaar. Saturday is another big day with panels, workshops, presentations and guided walks. Saturday eve is the delectable Cumberland Forest Feast in partnership with LUSH Valley (special ticketed event).
Thanks to our amazing 2o24 Fungus Fest Sponsors: Harmonic Arts, Tree Island Yogurt, Kapalka Family Foundation, Cumberland Brewing Company, Experience Comox Valley
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Volunteering is a fantastic way to be part of the fungus festivities! Sign up for a minimum of 2 shifts and you’re in for the weekend! (Please note: Guided walks require an additional registration fee) Message heather@cumberlandforest.com to sign up!