Join Krista Cushman on November 12, 2025 for a journey into the world of fungi, from the mycelium threads weaving through our forests to the seasonal beauty of local mushrooms. The forests of the Columbia River Gorge are bursting with hidden life, much of it under our feet. Along the way, she will share her own path from curiosity to connection, explore the ecological roles of fungi, and reveal some of the Columbia Gorge’s most intriguing fungal treasures. You may leave seeing the forest and its hidden kingdom through entirely new eyes.
“Krista’s story is educational and inspirational,” said Sarah Fox, host of Sense of Place. “She reminds us that taking a closer look at the natural world around us —can transform the way we see our place in the world. Her curiosity is absolutely contagious!”
About the Speaker:
Krista Cushman has spent over a decade exploring and sharing the world of mushrooms and fungi through community science and education. She earned her master’s degree from Lewis and Clark College and teaches fifth grade in Hood River, where she lives with her husband, their daughters Bennie and Edie, and their dog, Sal. Krista weaves her passion for fungi into her teaching, guiding, community education, and hours spent wandering the forests between Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood in her home, the Columbia River Gorge.
Event Details:
Mostly Mushrooms: What I Discovered When I Fell in Love with Fungi
When: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Doors at 6:00 p.m., show from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. PDT.
(If the event is sold out, unclaimed seats will be released to the waitlist at 6:45 p.m.)
Where: Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave., Hood River, OR 97031
Livestream: Available for all ticket holders.