Do your own spalting at the University of Toronto and Michigan Technological University!!
Throughout the year, spalting workshops are held in both the US and Canada, either at the University of Toronto, or Michigan Technological University. Workshops run for a full day, with different components in the morning and afternoon. You can register for both parts or only one, depending on your needs and interests. The morning section will be more hands-on, while the afternoon section will be more information-based.
Morning Section (9am-noon)
9:00 – 9:30: introductions and introduction to spalting logs
9:30 – 10:00: inoculation techniques and discussion of colors produced by each fungus available
10:00 – 10:30: inoculation demos (plug, spray, and paint)
10:30 – noon: open lab time; during this time you have the opportunity to use any of the
fungi provided by the workshop to spalt either your own logs that you have brought,
or some that we have provided.
12:00 – 1:00: break for lunch (depending on the number enrolled for each workshop, this may
be provided)
Afternoon Section (1pm – 4pm)
1:00 – 1:30: Q&A on incubation
1:30 – 2:00: presentation on fungi growth requirements for incubating logs
2:00 – 3:00: tour of the Faculty of Forestry’s spalting chambers and operations, with specific
attention to environmental conditions and sterility
3:00 – 3:30: presentation on fungi transfer (for continuation of cultures)
3:30 – 4:00: open lab time; during this time you have the opportunity to practice transfers of
fungi from sterile media onto sterile media, with feedback from mycologists on
technique
What’s Included
- -two green logs per person for use in inoculation that you may take home (morning session)
- -access to at least six different types of spalting fungi representing a broad range of colors and zone lines; some available in culture, some in plugs, and some in liquid media (morning session)
- -access to drills (although you are welcome to bring your own to avoid waiting), culture tools, sterilizing agents
- -three sterile media plates or liquid media packs for transfer practice (you may take these home) (afternoon session)
Feel Free to Bring
- -your own tools (cordless drill especially, with bits)
- -a camera (no video recorders please)
- -paper for taking notes
- -all your spalting questions
- -your excitement!
Cost
Morning Session – $150 CND (this is a great value, when you consider that each plate of
fungus runs at least $100/each!)
Afternoon Session – $85 CND (also an incredible value, if you consider that you’ll be taking
home three fungal cultures)
Both – $200
Pre-grown fungi on plugs, plate, and liquid media will be available for purchase during both sessions, as will pre-spalted logs
To register, or for more information, e-mail Dr. Spalting
Please Note: We do not work with pathogenic (either to trees or humans) fungi. All fungi used are native, non-restricted fungi which require no permits to use or move.
