Mycology Outside: A Weekend Mushroom Retreat in Maine

Erik Lomen is known for co-founding Maine Cap N' Stem Mushroom Co., a company dedicated to producing growing substrates and supplies for mushroom farms across the U.S. Lomen's company focuses on creating ready-to-fruit mushroom substrate blocks, which have revolutionized mushroom farming by simplifying the cultivation process for farmers. Under his leadership, Maine Cap N' Stem has expanded significantly, including a major facility upgrade to meet increasing demand. His innovative work supports the micro mushroom industry's growth and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.

Greg Marley will be guiding foraging classes and giving a presentation on bolete mushrooms. He is the author the award-winning book "Chanterelle Dreams, Amanita Nightmares: The Love Lore and Mystic of Mushrooms" and spreads his knowledge of mushrooms through walks, talks, and classes held across Maine. As a volunteer mushroom identification consultant to Poison Centers across New England, he provides expertise in mushroom poisoning cases and training for staff. He is a frequent lecturer to college groups and a mushrooming foray faculty member. Marley also works and consults as a mental health expert specializing in suicide prevention and traumatic grief.

Scott will be giving a presentation on composting mushroom substrate. A member of Digger's Cooperative, he is a Compost Educator, inventor, grower, heavy equipment operator and a lifelong composter with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from W.P.I. He also has 10 years of experience in the world of Cooperative business as well as in permaculture farming, excavation, and landscape construction. He brings joy, enthusiasm, and a quest for soil knowledge to the compost yard.

Turnip Vegan will be doing a mushroom cooking demo. He is an award-winning
content creator and recipe developer who promotes the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, emphasizing cruelty-free meal preparation and the versatility of plant-based ingredients like mushrooms. Author of It's all About Plantz & Mushroomz, and It's all About Lion's Mane, Turnip Vegan aims to inspire others to appreciate the health, environmental, and ethical advantages of a plant-based diet.

Noah Olson is a PhD candidate in Soil Ecology at the University of Vermont, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a BS in Biology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Noah focuses on transforming waste streams into valuable resources for small and medium-sized farms. Since 2020, Noah has partnered with industry stakeholders to develop innovative waste management strategies, particularly for cannabis biomass and human waste compost. His research utilizes microbial inoculants, mushroom cultivation, and composting techniques to produce valuable products like fertilizers and edible mushrooms.

Bella Andreozzi, an Integrative Mycologist, has five years of experience specializing in wild and medicinal mushrooms. She is a licensed Food Safe Wild Mushroom Forager and acts as the Mycoliaison for Level Mushrooms. Through TIMCO Mycology, she leads participants through spirit journeys and spreads the word of fungi through various workshops. TIMCO Mycology is on a mission to inspire fungal exploration and healing.