Part of the Sense of Place lecture series. The forests of the Columbia River Gorge are bursting with hidden life, much of it under our feet. Beneath the moss and soil, vast fungal networks connect and sustain the ecosystems we depend on. Yet many of us were taught to fear or ignore mushrooms, seeing them only as dangerous or strange. In truth, fungi are neither plants nor animals but their own extraordinary kingdom, one that decomposes, heals, nourishes, and inspires. Join Krista Cushman for a journey into the world of fungi, from the mycelium threads weaving through our forests to the seasonal beauty of local mushrooms. 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. 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.About Sense of Place:

For 16-years, Sense of Place has connected people through place and storytelling. Our flagship speaker series features people with unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge and who consider the natural and cultural history that has shaped this place. Guests have included: scientists, tribal members, authors, farmers, and many others from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The stories shared deepen our understanding of the Gorge and strengthen our connection to the landscape and to each other. Learn more about Sense of Place and check out our online archive and past events HERE. For more information, visit senseofplacegorge.org or follow on Instagram @senseofplacegorge. Subscribe to the Sense of Place Newsletter for event updates and behind-the-scenes stories.

Sense of Place is a program of Mt. Adams Institute, which provides programs thatstrengthen the connection between people and the natural world througheducation, service, career development, and research.