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Storm is my favourite forest guide! How cool that we now live in the forest and he knows stuff! More than me.. lol
Storm has been sharing videos on Instagram & TikTok (I do not have tiktok) educating on all things fungi & the forest & they are interesting, informative & fun. FlowMycology is his company name and when he's not inoculating wood chips to grow wine caps in the garden, teaching classes on how to grow oyster mushrooms in a bucket - he's started making these cool short videos. Most are from things he's discovered on the property, like the artist conk -albeit he won't tell me where it is so I don't take them all. hahaha. Some can keep growing up to 60 years, I have my share of canvas so I'll let them be, for now. He also touches on not over harvesting like Chaga.. which we don't even understand the relationship and potential harms, if we take, take, take. I remember reading years ago Chaga had become almost non existent in Russia due to over harvesting, due to it's medicinal properties and tasty tea (I like mine with lime). I read the same thing about wild Ramps in Ontario, you should not take the bulbs as they won't come back if you do.. when I pick ramps for ramp butter (YUM) I only pick a few leaves off a few plants. I was fortunate to have a friend close by, give me a few shovels full to transplant onto our property, I treat them carefully as I want them to flourish!
Storm has been sharing videos on Instagram & TikTok (I do not have tiktok) educating on all things fungi & the forest & they are interesting, informative & fun. FlowMycology is his company name and when he's not inoculating wood chips to grow wine caps in the garden, teaching classes on how to grow oyster mushrooms in a bucket - he's started making these cool short videos. Most are from things he's discovered on the property, like the artist conk -albeit he won't tell me where it is so I don't take them all. hahaha. Some can keep growing up to 60 years, I have my share of canvas so I'll let them be, for now. He also touches on not over harvesting like Chaga.. which we don't even understand the relationship and potential harms, if we take, take, take. I remember reading years ago Chaga had become almost non existent in Russia due to over harvesting, due to it's medicinal properties and tasty tea (I like mine with lime). I read the same thing about wild Ramps in Ontario, you should not take the bulbs as they won't come back if you do.. when I pick ramps for ramp butter (YUM) I only pick a few leaves off a few plants. I was fortunate to have a friend close by, give me a few shovels full to transplant onto our property, I treat them carefully as I want them to flourish!
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Storm is teaching people how to grow mushrooms! Edibles - healthy & good for the brain, I have a bag in my wall unit, I've been patiently waiting to sprout oyster mushrooms! I'll share when they do! It's easier than you think. We also have shiitake logs in the back, that should produce yearly. We have wine caps in the vegetable garden which I'm also looking forward to a tasty treat - much like meat (if you cook it right) If you live in a forested property you should learn what's out there. Mushrooms like these are very expensive at the store - if you can get them. He'll be covering all sorts of topics - I especially liked his 'Wingman' video about the dragon fly you clip to your cap & yes, they do work.. I find them especially helpful with deterring deerfly. The artist conk video, I contributed drawing the toad, it was easy & nice to work on such a wild canvas, it now adorns the wall unit for all to enjoy.
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For over a decade Storm been involved with the MST and taking people on forays through all sorts of forests usually in the GTA & still does from time to time. The MST is a fun way to start - or if you live in the Highlands and have property and are curious to know what you have, you can hire him for your own private discovery adventure (he does get very busy during mushroom season tho) I think it's wonderful how many he has inspired and taught to forage & learn what's safe and not. He has always told me: Do not eat anything unless you are positive... and even then - check to be positive.. Yes, I feel privileged to have someone who knows mushrooms living here. I get excited in the spring and fall for Chanterelle, morel and more. I love mushrooms, these 'button' ones (from the grocery store) get boring & I'm a bit leery of mass production of the rarer kind due to reading about recalls, I think the last I read about was with Enoki. Besides, the more you know- the better! If these past few years have taught us anything -it should be how to become self sufficient in all ways, including growing our own food. Anyhow - if you want to learn from my favourite mycologist, that gives me hugs and tells me he loves me - daily :)))... check out FlowMycology on Instagram. Also on TikTok.
