On October 5th, 2025, forty curious explorers joined us for a sold-out afternoon immersed in the mysterious and magical world of mushrooms. Led by regional mycologist Luke Sarrantonio of Mycophilic, this Fall Explorations – Mushroom Ecology Hike invited participants to slow down, look closely, and discover the thriving fungal networks hidden beneath our feet.
From the base of Hoot Hill, Luke guided participants along Ashokan’s forest trails, pointing out a variety of mushrooms and sharing insights into their essential ecological roles. Along the way, he discussed how fungi connect and sustain life in our forests, offered practical foraging tips, and encouraged everyone to cultivate a sense of wonder and respect for these often-overlooked organisms.
Despite a bit of autumn chill, the group’s enthusiasm stayed high as conversations and discoveries unfolded throughout the 1-mile “mushroom crawl.” From delicate coral fungi to vibrant turkey tails, each find sparked fresh fascination and questions.
Luke’s work with Mycophilic centers around making fungal education accessible to all. Through walks, workshops, cultivation consulting, and community projects like the Eat More Mushrooms Project, he fosters curiosity and connection between people and the natural world. His passion stems from a belief that fungi—organisms we share 50% of our DNA with—deserve a central place in how we understand life on Earth.
We’re grateful to Luke for sharing his knowledge and warmth with our community, and to everyone who joined us for this enlightening fall adventure. Stay tuned for future Fall Explorations programs and other nature hikes at the Ashokan Center—each one offering a new way to connect with the living landscape around us.