By Kimberly Alexsandra Madrigal
As the first day of the 2024 North Country fair came to an end, the inaugural Fungi Festival came alive with its ambient lighting, cozy seating areas, craft beverages, interactive workshops and air filled with the warm sounds of laughter and a live DJ spinning records. Mycology connoisseurs from all walks of life and states gathered to celebrate both community and nature at this one of a kind event hosted by Culture Shrooms Humboldt.
Culture Shrooms was founded in Long Beach, CA by Omar Otham in 2020. He was joined by Maximillian Esparza and Axai Hernandez, founders of Mycelium Matters, a nationwide educational mycology collective. As well as Justin and Melissa Wallace, owners of Humboldt based Twisted Trees Nursery, in opening up a Humboldt County location this past April. They emphasize creating and educating others on their various products that include adaptogenic mushrooms, such as lion’s mane and reishi. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds which assists in boosting one’s immune system, stress release and enhancing mental clarity. The shop includes a craft-drink bar, various snacks, merchandise, and sells soils from various companies within the mycology industry to get you started on your own sprouts.
Anushka Pawashe is a Portland local with a psychology background who was in town visiting a friend for their annual reunion. They spontaneously stumbled upon the Fungi Festival, and were glad they did. Their favorite part of the event was the energy and vibes from the people attending the event. Pawashe prefers the friendly positives and enlightening energies to the energies she encounters upon visiting a bar that serves alcohol. She advocates for the ongoing clinical trials of mushrooms to help with various mental health issues.
“I feel like it’s getting to this bright usage where we’re not just popping pills everyday,” Pawashe said. “We might just need one little session and we’re good for the year, which insurance companies don’t like.”
Mellisa Wallace is one of Culture Shroom Humboldt’s owners and co-founder of local DinoSoils producing Twisted Trees Nursery with her husband Justin just a few years ago after adopting two tortoises. They started in their backyard and it grew into what it is now — a larger company with its soils sold in various states. She shared that the industry has taught them so much about themselves, the importance of kindness, networking and communication, the people and world around them, and ultimately changed their entire lives.
“It taught us a lot, I was an entirely different human being when I started twisted trees and so was my husband,” Wallace said. “Just being in the mushroom industry is one of the most beautiful blessings we could have ever experienced in our whole lives and all the trials and tribulations that came with it were with every single ounce of knowledge I’ve gained about myself, the people around me, nature and our world as a whole. We’re very grateful to be in Humboldt.”
Culture Shrooms Humboldt and their hours, products, events, and workshops are highlighted on their instagram @cultureshroomshumboldt.