Erin Hamilton is the founder and chief mycologist of The Mushroom Conservatory. With a deep commitment to fungi and their potential to transform our world, Erin has spent years cultivating mushrooms and exploring their uses in food, medicine, and environmental restoration. Her approach is hands-on and rooted in a genuine passion for mycology, combining traditional cultivation techniques with innovative research.
Erin’s journey started with a curiosity about the fungi kingdom that soon evolved into education and discovery. Through The Mushroom Conservatory, she has taught thousands globally, sharing the knowledge and tools needed to grow mushrooms and appreciate their benefits. She also collaborates with institutions like the University of Michigan, contributing to research that pushes the boundaries of what mushrooms can achieve.
It’s an honor to have been chosen as one of Mother Earth News’ Voices for 2024 – I’ll be teaming up with them on a variety of awesome writing projects, speaking and teaching interesting things all year:)
Hello & Welcome to The Mushroom Conservatory!
At The Mushroom Conservatory, we are passionate about fungi and their power to change the world. Our mission is to inspire curiosity, provide education, and create a deeper connection between people and the fungi kingdom. From health benefits and culinary delights to environmental restoration, mushrooms have an incredible story to tell, and we are here to help tell it.
Founded by Erin Hamilton, a mycologist and educator with a deep love for all things fungi, The Mushroom Conservatory aims to bring the science of mushrooms to everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned growers. Erin’s journey began with a simple curiosity that transformed into a lifelong passion, leading to hands-on workshops, science kits, community programs, and collaborations with some amazing initiatives focused on sustainability and restoration.
We believe fungi have the potential to address some of the biggest challenges we face today—from sustainable food production to environmental clean-up. Through engaging workshops, mushroom growing tours, school programs, and community events, we invite you to explore how fungi can positively impact your life and the world around us.
Come grow with us. Whether you want to learn how to cultivate mushrooms at home, understand their role in our ecosystems, or simply discover the magic of fungi, The Mushroom Conservatory is here to guide you. Together, we can unlock the potential of mushrooms and inspire the next generation of mycologists and citizen scientists.
Our Mission to Help the World Learn to Grow Mushrooms
At the Mushroom Conservatory, our mission is to illuminate the intricate world of mushrooms, making it accessible and engaging for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a curious newcomer, our aim is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of fungi and their vital role in our ecosystems and on our dinner plates.
Hands-On Learning: Our Approach to Mycology
We believe in a hands-on, experiential approach to learning. Our goal is to help you learn how to grow mushrooms at home, and encourage you to explore the possibilities that mushrooms hold for the world. We developed mushroom growing kits that teach mushroom growing from the ground up, and throughout the year we present a range of experiences, from mushroom cultivation workshops to educational seminars and even mushroom feasts all designed to immerse people in the practical and theoretical aspects of mycology. Our programs are tailored to encourage exploration, creativity, and sustainable practices.
Cultivating Knowledge: Making Mushrooms Accessible to the Educational Community
Our driving force is our vision for exploring the depths of the fungi kingdom, and encouraging everyone we come in touch with to join us in our quest. There are around 14,000 recorded species of mushroom, but it is believed that there are between 3 and 4 MILLION species in existence. Each has it’s own unique abilities, from healing our bodies to restoring our ecosystem, feeding our families and and replacing toxic materials with renewable ones. With this in mind, it is our greatest hope that we inspire as many of you as possible to explore the seemingly endless untapped potential.
Here, you’ll find a diverse group of family and friends sharing knowledge, experiences, and a mutual love for mushrooms. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone’s contributions are valued and encouraged. We are proud to partner with k-12 and university programs to further prepare the world’s scholars to lead the way into a more sustainable future, and create greater food accessibility and food security around the globe.
Sustainability and Stewardship: Our Environmental Commitment
Beyond education, the Mushroom Conservatory is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. We explore and implement eco-friendly cultivation techniques, contribute to local ecosystems through fungi-based projects, and strive to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of mushrooms.
Your Invitation to Discover and Grow
Whether you’re interested in growing your own mushrooms, learning about their medicinal properties, or simply want to be part of a community that shares your interest in these extraordinary organisms, the Mushroom Conservatory is your gateway to a world of discovery.
Let’s embark on this mycological journey together!
