Hey Fungi Fans,Over the last four years it has been a pleasure to be a part of a community in Maine that finds meaning in “All Things Fungi, Plant Based Healing, and Evolving Consciousness”.From our first gathering at the Portland Expo Center in 2022, to our most recent get together at the lovely Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, I have continued to feel inspired by the conversations and people that have crossed my path. I hope that our work at the Maine Fungi Fest has helped pushed these important conversations forward.

But with both the descending shadow of fascism slowly engulfing our culture and our government and the lack of a supportive venue, we will not be holding a 2026 Maine Fungi Fest. I understand that the work we do with the Maine Fungi Fest is already part of a counter movement, but currently I feel like I need to offer a more direct response to this darkness. Stepping away from the responsibilities and time commitment required for the Maine Fungi Fest each year will hopefully open space in my life for more of this kind of direct response.

I also hope I see many of you on the front lines from here on in. I do believe in the capacity of social movements to change the world’s trajectory, and I have no desire to simply endure by evoking my privilege.In the immortal words of my good friend Johnny Crashed – “Survival is Insufficient to Me”.

See you on the front lines!J