Mushrooms are in – but it isn’t all about psilocybin and psychedelics.
Image by Enjaytee - Australian Psilocybe cubensis
The important roles fungi play in ecological systems is becoming increasingly apparent as we recognise how fungi regulate the biosphere and support the earth’s ecological functioning. Fungi interact with humans as well. Some, like the prized Périgord truffle, might interact too much (or just enough?). The scent of the Périgord truffle is described as 'between sex and death.' We are constantly learning about new applications for fungi, such as their use in textiles and building materials, and for processing pollutants and toxic wastes.
Garden States 2022 is more mushroomy than risotto ai funghi, featuring contributions from David Holmgren, the co-originator of permaculture, mycological expert and author Dr. Alison Pouliot, and mushroom materials expert, Amanda Morglund. If you are interested in a more hands-on approach, we will also be learning about fungi DNA from grassroots fungi activist Ema Corro. Caine Barlow, Darklight, and Jess Saunders will be teaching two mushroom cultivation workshops for beginners and a more advanced workshop for growers looking to upskill their mycology at home.
Of course, conversations around psychedelic mushrooms will also be featured at Garden States 2022. We’re proud to be hosting leading Australian researchers from landmark studies. Dr Margaret Ross and Dr Martin Williams will be presenting early findings of the St Vincent’s Melbourne Psilocybin-palliative care study – Australia’s first psychedelic clinical trial. Dr Alistair McTaggart will also be joining us to present findings from his ground-breaking study into the genetics of psilocybin-containing mushrooms in Australia.
Garden States 2022 is a hybrid conference, featuring leading psychedelic, botanical and mycological minds including David Holmgren, Dr Margaret Ross, Janet Laurence, Renee Harvey, Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, Dr Alison Pouliot, Lynette Wallworth, Snu Voogelbreinder, and luminaries Dennis McKenna Ph.D., Mark Pesce, The Seed SistAs, John Seed, and Keeper Trout, who will be streaming in.
For more information, or to book tickets, head to the Garden States 2022 conference website.
Image by Pix Miller - Australian Psilocybe cubensis
