Mushroom Cultivation with Recycled Reads

Discover how nature and knowledge intertwine in this hands-on workshop where we turn old books into living mushroom gardens! Hosted by the Central Texas Mycological Society, this experience celebrates the Roots & Wings Festival’s themes of growth, transformation, and deep connection to the natural world. Participants will learn the basics of mushroom cultivation and explore how lignin-rich materials like recycled books can become nutrient-rich substrates for gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. We'll dive into the science of fungi, the art of upcycling, and the surprising ways mushrooms help restore ecosystems while feeding people. Bring a worn-out paperback or choose from our donated stash, and leave with a mycelium-inoculated book that’s ready to grow. It’s a poetic reminder that from every ending—like the last page of a book—comes a new beginning. Perfect for all ages and curious minds ready to root deeper into sustainability and wing their way into the magical world of fungi.