Shiitake Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshops

Shiitake Mushroom Log Inoculation Workshops Offered Across the Finger Lakes Region

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga, Schuyler and Seneca Counties are each offering a Shiitake Mushroom Log Inoculation workshop to learn about growing mushrooms using red oak logs. The workshop will be offered three different times across the Finger Lakes Region, providing options to those wishing to attend. These programs are open to the public regardless of your county of residence.

Join Connor Youngerman, Agroforestry & Mushroom Specialist from the Cornell Small Farms Program, to learn about specialty mushrooms and guide participants through the process of inoculating red oak logs with shiitake mushroom spawn. Participants will start the workshop indoors with a short presentation, then go outside to inoculate red oak logs. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. Closed toe footwear strongly encouraged.

The first workshop is Wednesday October 29 at 5:00pm in Schuyler County at Apples and Moore Farm. The Second workshop is Thursday October 30 at 5:00pm in Seneca County at Vince’s Park. The last workshop is Saturday November 1 at 10:00am in Cayuga County at the Sterling Nature Center.

CCE Environmental and Natural Resources educator Ryan Staychock said, “more and more people want to grow shiitake mushrooms. They are good to eat, and can generate income, diversify farm and forestry enterprises, add value to forestry by-products and create opportunities for sustainable forest management.”

The cost is $25 per person, which includes handouts, materials and an inoculated red oak log to take home. Cheese pizza slices will also be offered as part of the registration fee. Registration is required and space is limited. Register by visiting the website of Cayuga CCE, Schuyler CCE, or Seneca County CCE, or  https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/MushroomLogFL_245 or by calling (315) 531-9251 (ext. 1009). Registration payments must be received in order to save your spot.