Forest Mushroom Cultivation Workshop

Forest Mushroom Cultivation Workshop

Have you ever wanted to grow mushrooms but thought that it seemed too complicated?  On April 14, 2016, John Schwartzer, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry Service Forester, will speak on forest mushroom cultivation.  His presentation will include growing shiitake and oyster mushrooms in your backyard or woodlot.  The meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Cumberland County Extension Office which is located at 310 Allen Road in Carlisle.  You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend.

The proper tree species and techniques for cultivation will be discussed and inoculation techniques will be demonstrated during this presentation. The nutritional requirements and environmental conditions necessary for the production of a variety of different mushrooms will be covered.

Growing oyster mushrooms can be a simple and great addition to many gardens, yards, and woodlots.  Shiitake mushrooms can be grown indoors or outdoors on almost any deciduous wood that retains its bark for a number of years. When shiitake or oyster mushrooms are cultivated outdoors on logs in a managed shade environment, a forest farming practice is initiated. 

The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania.  For more information about the meeting or the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association, contact Fred Peabody at 717-776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net) or Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317 (email:  mdwald57@yahoo.com).