How to Love a Mushroom: A Guided Walk

About

Step into the fascinating world of mushrooms on a guided walk with fungal enthusiast Aaron Tupac! This isn’t just a walk in the woods—it’s an invitation to see the world differently, to cultivate the art of noticing, and to uncover the secrets of fungi hiding in plain sight.

As Anna Tsing writes in The Mushroom at the End of the World:
"What do you do when your world starts to fall apart? I go for a walk, and if I’m really lucky, I find mushrooms. Mushrooms pull me back into my senses, not just–like flowers–through their riotous colors and smells but because they pop up unexpectedly, reminding me of the good fortune of just happening to be there. Then I know that there are still pleasures amidst the terrors of indeterminacy."

Join us for an immersive experience where you’ll explore:

• The Diversity of Los Angeles Fungi – Discover the surprising abundance of mushrooms right in our own backyard.
• Fungi & Human Civilization – From yeast to antibiotics, fungi have shaped our world in ways you never imagined.
• The Science of Fungi – Learn about symbiosis, ecology, and the hidden connections between fungi, native plants, and our environment.
• Hands-On Exploration – See samples from Aaron’s personal fungal collection and sharpen your skills in identifying mushrooms.
• Become a Citizen Scientist – Learn how to document and contribute to fungal research.

Whether you're a seasoned mycophile or just curious about the magic of mushrooms, this walk will open your eyes to the fungal networks beneath our feet. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and a sense of adventure—we’ll be looking sporeward to seeing you there!

Spots are limited—reserve yours today!

Things To Know

About the Artist

Aaron Tupac (they/them) is a mycologist, educator, community organizer, and speaker based in Los Angeles. Aaron is the organizer of the fungi-focused community education group Exploring the Mycoverse. Aaron works for the Fungal Diversity Survey, the only nonprofit focused on North America's fungal biodiversity and conservation. They serve as a fungi collector for the California Fungal Diversity Survey, the first government-funded state-wide project of its kind. Aaron is also the founding chair of the North American Mycological Association’s Conservation and Stewardship Committee.

Accessibility

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, contact info@jaccc.org.