Fungi are not plants nor animals; they are a unique group of organisms in their own kingdom. Mystery surrounds this group. Yet, most of us interact with these organisms every single day and may not even know it. For their sometimes moldy reputation, we have many enjoyable things thanks to fungi – from bread to antibiotics to mushrooms and more.
The 4-H team at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County is holding two fungal-themed workshops this winter. Both workshops are geared towards youth ages five through 12. Those ages five to seven will need an adult present to participate. All are welcome to attend.
First up is “Fungal Friday: Fungi and Food” workshop on January 29 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Discover what exactly fungi are and the role they play in making foods we love. Yeast, single-celled fungal organisms, have been used by humans for thousands of years for baking and brewing endeavors. Participants will investigate the role of yeast in baking through a hands-on bread-in-a-bag experiment. There is a $5 fee for each youth to participate in the workshop. Registration closes on January 22. Families can register for this event at https://bit.ly/3i5D8gn.
“Mushroom Monday: Learn and Grow” workshop will be held on February 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. For centuries, humans have grown fungi and mushrooms for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. This workshop will explore the basic life cycle, uses of, and ways to grow mushrooms. Participants will get to practice growing oyster mushrooms in a fun science experiment on toilet paper. There is a $25 fee for each youth to participate, which includes a mushroom grow kit for each participant. Mushroom kits will be available for pick up at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County Office, 2449 St. Paul Boulevard, Rochester, during the week prior to the event. Mushrooms kits will contain spawn and substrate materials needed to grow oyster mushrooms. Registration closes on February 15. Families can register for this event at https://bit.ly/2LIjTwW.
For information on these and other Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County 4-H events, visit http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/events. 4-H is a worldwide youth development program open to all youth ages five to 19 who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. Learn more at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
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