Where can I find a Fungi Hunt?
Visit Find a Hunt to see current and former Fungi Hunts. Don’t see one close to you? Contact your local park system or another environmental organization to suggest a future collaboration. The Fungi Hunt can travel to any trail network in the Midwest – and beyond!
How long does the artwork last?
Artwork can remain in good condition for about 8-10 months, depending on weather conditions. Exposure to the elements naturally causes slight fading. More common is discoloration due to algae growth. Like real fungi, the fiber art gets wet int he rain and dries out in the sun. As with real fungi, algae growth is common and contributes to the lifelike appearance of the art.
What is the artwork made of?
I use synthetic (acrylic) fibers to create the fungi. All my fibers are sourced secondhand and tested in advance to ensure they are color fast and will not leech dye into the environment. Certain fungi use materials such as styrofoam, exterior grade wire, or spray foam insulation to provide shape and structure.
Why don’t you use natural fibers? Aren’t those better?
Natural fibers like wool and cotton tend to attract nibbling critters who use them for nesting – resulting in significant damage to artwork as well as scattering yarn fibers across the forest floor. Wildlife know acrylic fibers are not attractive for nesting with, so leave them largely untouched. This helps the art last longer outside, and reduces it’s environmental footprint.
What about Leave No Trace?
Fungi Hunt’s are temporary – usually lasting about 6 months – and the principles of Leave No Trace are incorporated throughout. All artwork is placed on dead wood to prevent harm to living trees. All artwork is placed near the trail to deter off-trail activity. I cooperate with host sites to prominently display trail rules on project signage. Fibers and other materials are selected for their longevity and durability to the artwork can be removed intact at the end of the installation. I do a clean sweep at the end of every Fungi Hunt, removing all artwork, signs, stakes, and hardware (staples, screws, etc).
How do you keep the fungi in place?
I use a combination of staples and screws to secure tree-mounted artwork to stumps and logs. For ground-mounted fungi, I use a combination of zip ties, chicken wire, and short metal stakes to secure fungi so they do not present a tripping hazard.
What mushrooms can I find on a Fungi Hunt?
Expect to find mushrooms that are common to the area you are walking through. I work together with host sites to determine the final fungi lineup for each Fungi Hunt. All species will be native to or commonly found in the area – so you might see some real mushrooms popping up alongside the crochet ones!
Whose permission do I need to host a Fungi Hunt?
I require permission from the land owner or property manager of the site hosting the Fungi Hunt. If you’d like your local nature center or park to host a Fungi Hunt, get in touch with them first! I’ll need to work with them directly to make sure the Fungi Hunt abides by all park/trail rules.
Have a question not answered above?
Email me at hello@lydiahansen.art!
The Fungi Hunt Project 