Spore Sessions are a two-day, two-night mushroom cultivation workshop on 20 private acres in Ontario's Algonquin Highlands. Ten people camp in the woods and learn to grow mushrooms in straw, logs and soil — inoculating oyster mushrooms into straw, plugging a shiitake log, and starting a winecap patch, all of which go home with them alive. Additionally we will cover everything you need to know to grow mushrooms from spore to harvest including best practices using equipment you can easily obtain and use at home. Meals are provided and cooked as a group with social evenings fireside. No experience needed. Bring a tent and your sleeping pad / sleeping bag and a headlamp / flashlight.
2 Days 2 Nights Mushroom Cultivation Camping Workshop
Held on weekends in September and October (TBA) Spore Sessions is a 10 spot educational weekend where we will cover everything you need to know to work with mycelium and grow your own fungi. From sourcing genetics, setting up a clean workspace, preparing agar, liquid cultures, grain spawn, and so much more!
Program
We will cover everything you need to know to build a solid foundation of mushroom cultivation skills including but not limited to
The full mushroom cultivation cycle
Techniques for growing edible, and medicinal mushrooms at home
How to turn a single spore print into a lifelong supply of mushrooms
Hands-on skills to set up a mushroom-growing environment
Practical methods for harvesting, storing, and preserving your homegrown mushrooms
Core concepts of fungal ecology and the role of fungi in resilient ecosystems
Skills that empower you to grow mushrooms confidently
Successfully sterilize all kinds of substrate
Cloning Mushrooms
Agar Transfers
Liquid culture transfers
Grain transfers
Germinating spores
Outdoor mushroom cultivation
Mycelium propagation
Ideal incubation conditions
Growing mushrooms without fancy equipment
Safely storing mycelium
Mushroom permaculture
What You Take Home
Every participant will leave with the following:
- A bag of straw inoculated with oyster mushroom mycelium
- A log inoculated with shiitake spawn
- Wine Cap Mushroom spawn to establish a mushroom patch at home.
- A PDF document covering everything we cover at the workshop.
- Invitation to The Mycelial Network Telegram Group to stay in touch.
Cost and Dates
$500 CAD
10 Spots per weekend
Sep 11–13
Sep 18–20
Sep 25–27
Additional Dates TBA
Frequently
Asked
Questions
1 / Where are Spore Sessions Held?
Th address for Spore Sessions will be provided upon booking and payment. The property is located in Algonquin Highlands. 2.5 Hrs from Toronto
3.5 Hrs from Ottawa
2 / When can I arrive?
You may arrive after 5PM on the Friday of your session. Early arrivals may be arranged, inquire to info@flowmycology.com.
3 / When do I need to leave?
We will be wrapping up the workshop around 4PM on Sunday afternoon.
4 / Are Meals Provided?
Yes! We will be providing meals. Breakfast sandwiches, simple lunch, and BBQ dinner. If you require any dietary restrictions please let us know before booking. Vegan options are available but please inform us while booking. Feel free to bring your favourite snacks or campfire treats.
5 / Is drinking water provided?
Natural Spring water will be provided for drinking.
6 / Is there Alcohol?
We don't provide alcohol, but you're welcome to bring a drink or two to enjoy around the fire in the evening. The teaching sessions involve sharp tools, hot wax and open flame, so we ask that everyone stays clear-headed during the day.
7 / Are Children Allowed To Attend?
Spore Sessions are a +19 event currently. special exceptions may be permitted for the aspiring mycologist. E-Mail info@flowmycology.com to inquire.
8 / Are Pets Allowed?
We love our furry friends but request that pets remain at home for the Spore Sessions.
9 / What do I need to do before arrival?
After booking and sending payment. you will receive a Welcome E-Mail with a waiver which needs to be signed and returned before you may attend Spore Sessions. You will also receive a suggested packing list. and a program for the weekend.
10 / Is there Cell Service?
There is Cell Service!
11 / Are there bugs?
Bugs are always possible in nature, it is advised to be prepared with bug spray, bug mesh hat, long sleeved clothing. Bug spray may be available for relief to the unprepared camper.
12 / Will we be identifying mushrooms?
You are more than welcome to explore and forage for mushrooms at Spore Sessions, be mindful of property boundaries. We will not be identifying every mushroom you may find. We will be touching on collecting wild fungi for cultivation, cloning them, and also preserving them and submitting them for DNA sequencing. We will not be commenting on the edibility of every mushroom found, you'll be able to grow your own edible mushrooms!
13 / What if it rains?
Spore Sessions are held Rain or Shine, covered areas are available in the event of rain. There will be no refunds for bad weather or cancellations a week before the event. You may book another weekend if there is availability. Come prepared for anything! bring your rain gear.
14 / What if I don't want to camp?
There are numerous Air BnB hosts in the area, and lots of awesome swimming lakes, restaurants, and hiking trails near by if you wish to spend more time in the highlands. Rate remains full price if you choose to stay off-Site. Please send a E-Mail to info@flowmycology.com and mention it in your booking.
15 / What About Washrooms?
There are 2 outhouses available for participants with hand washing facilities.
16 / What if I have never been camping before?
Spore Sessions are a great way to get into the outdoors and experience camping in a safe environment. We know what we are doing!
17 / Do I have to carry my tent and equipment into the forest?
No! your gear will be shuttled to the camp area.
18 / I have more Questions!
For any additional questions please send a E-Mail to info@flowmycology.com.