Thanks to our amazing sponsors, McSharry & Associates Realty, we are excited to introduce the MushLove Series with Luke Sarrantonio as part of the Pine Hollow Arboretum's Program Lineup for 2025. These programs are FREE to the public and advanced registration is required. Luke will be joining us 3x's this season to talk all things ecology and mushrooms. Below you will find Luke's biography and a description of the 3 programs. All programs will take place at the Pine Hollow Arboretum (34 Pine Hollow Rd. Slingerlands, NY 12159).

Biography:

Luke Sarrantonio grew up in Rosendale, New York and spent much of his childhood exploring local landscape and ecological features, but it wasn’t until attending university at SUNY ESF (college of Environmental Science and Forestry) that he truly discovered Fungi. He has had a dynamic career within Mycology, developing ecology and cultivation based educational programs, organizing an annual mushroom and arts festival (For the Love of Fungi), community projects and a line of functional mushroom products (under the name Mycophilic) for the past 13+ years. His major goal is to be an accessible resource for people who want to learn more about this fascinating group of life. His most recent projects include an outdoor mushroom farm and teaching space with his partner Kaya at their farm in Accord, NY (Eat Flowers Farm) and a community project called Eat More Mushrooms. He also offers mentorships and currently serves as co president of the Mid Hudson Mycological Association. More at Mycophilic.net

Sunday, April 13th at 1pm: Ecological Relationships Through A Fungal Lens

In this ecological world we live in, symbiotic relationships are the essential fabric of life. These connections are often facilitated by a Kingdom/Queendom/Kingdom of organisms that are largely unseen to our naked eye. We’re talking about Fungi! Through this presentation and discussion, we'll explore aspects of ecology that are often overlooked and make some insights into how we might benefit from understanding these relationships more. This program will primarily take place indoors. 

Sunday, June 29th at 1pm: Summer Forest Fungi & Ecology Walk

Sunday, September 28th at 1pm: Autumn Forest Fungi & Ecology Walk

We’ll explore the interwoven lives of organisms that make up the diverse Ecology of our region. Everything is indeed connected, and in many cases this relationship is facilitated by a group of organisms that are largely unseen. Let’s pull back the curtain to take a closer look at Fungi, and all the organisms and interactions that form the intricate ecosystems we live in. We’ll zoom in to examine the minute but also zoom out to get a sense of the whole system, and how the specimens we find intertwine in this beautiful dance of life. Learn about Identification, Safety, Edibility, Sustainable Foraging Practices, etc. Bring all your Mushroom questions!

Questions? Please email Gabby at pinehollowarb@gmail.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for making this program available to the community!