Lydia Hansen, a Minnesota-based artist, embarked on an ambitious project in 2023. Her goal was simple yet profound: to introduce hikers to native Midwest mushrooms through crocheted ‘Fungi Hunts’. Each hike is not just about the trail, but a whimsical exploration of nature’s hidden treasures.

This summer marks the third iteration of her project, now hosted at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. Here, visitors encounter crocheted oyster mushrooms and turkey tails, designed to highlight native flora rather than exotic species. Each piece is crafted from secondhand yarn and strategically placed on dead wood using simple fastenings like staples or screws.

Hansen’s practice of ‘experiential fiber art’ combines her love for nature with creativity, aiming to engage hikers and encourage a more mindful approach to their surroundings. By focusing on local fungi, she hopes to foster appreciation for what is already around us, rather than seeking out the unusual or exotic.

Her project benefits from a grant that allowed her to collaborate with Tanner Barnharst, a Minnesota naturalist. Together, they developed interpretive signage to ensure hikers receive accurate scientific information despite poor cell service in many areas.

Hansen is preparing for an even larger project next summer, spanning three parks in Olmsted County and curating a fungi-themed exhibition at Kouba Gallery in Bloomington. Her work serves as a reminder of the beauty found in our local environments and the importance of celebrating what we have close to home.