James Davis

James Davis is a New England-based foraging instructor, muralist, and folk musician. A life-long nature lover, he began growing mushrooms and hosting local mushroom festivals in 2020 after learning how fungi created the ecosystems that sustain our lives today. His approach to education emphasizes meeting learners where they are at all levels, using instructive and humorous examples, and bringing actual mycelium, logs, and mushrooms into the classroom to keep lessons engaging. As an environmental advocate, James has led local campaigns to improve the accessibility of plant-based foods in schools, phase out harmful rodenticides, and protect tree canopy among other causes. His experience in public policy is guided by witnessing triumphs and dysfunction working for the local governments of Newton (Kansas), Taizhong (Taiwan), Berkeley (CA), Massachusetts, and Boston. To learn more about his work, his art, and his organizing, please feel free to visit his professional sites (jamespauldavis.com, Baystaters.org).