September 18–20, 2026 | Mulino, OR
Fertile Substrate
The Pre-RMC Work Party
Be a substrate builder
Help set up the RMC and receive a free four-day pass!
Join a small crew of dedicated fungi-lovers to prepare Brown Bottle Farm in exchange for a four-day pass to the RMC and access to a special workshop with Peter McCoy.
Whether you are a professional carpenter, have experience organizing events, or have never set up an event before, we welcome you to apply and join us! We will be selecting applicants based on their skill set, with the intention to combine people of all experience levels and backgrounds.
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Building Substrate Overview
After arriving on the evening of Friday, September 18, attendees will be greeted with a communal potluck dinner, a workshop with Peter McCoy, and space to meet new friends. Saturday and Sunday will be full days of helping with a variety of tasks around the site, which may include:
- Preparing substrates for mushroom cultivation
- Preparing sites for fungi-based installations
- Setting up and decorating indoor and outdoor workshop spaces
- Preparing workshop materials
- Flagging parking and camping areas
- Assembling and amending infrastructure
- Clearing pathways
- Hanging lights and signage
This essential work not only ensures a more immersive RMC for all, but also an opportunity for Fertile Substrate attendees (Substrate Builders) seeking experience in coordinating educational events to gain valuable skills. Saturday night, Substrate Builders will get to enjoy time to rest under the stars with their new friends.
In exchange for helping all weekend, Substrate Builders receive a four-day pass to the RMC.
Stage Days
The Pre-Pre-RMC Work Party
September 12–13, 2026
September 12–13, 2026
A new addition to the RMC set up process for 2026 is the building of the main stage platforms on the Saturday and Sunday before Fertile Substrate. Hours accrued during this time will offset a Substrate Builder’s 20-hour expectation. If 20 hours are not needed to complete the stages, Stage Days helpers will be expected to attend Fertile Substrate the following weekend to complete their 20-hour expectation. As stage builders will not have the option to camp on site during this weekend, this pre-FS option is best for people who live (or can stay) in the Portland / Mulino area.
Snacks & Potlucks
Light snacks will be provided during the mornings and afternoons on Saturday and Sunday, but Substrate Builders should also bring their own meals to best sustain their energy. Each evening, a communal potluck will be held for all who wish to take part.
Staying After
In the days between Fertile Substrate and the start of the RMC (Monday, September 22 to Wednesday, September 23), Substrate Builders who express a desire to stay on site may be offered the chance to do so in exchange for continuing to help prepare the land for the RMC or to help Brown Bottle Farm with their preparations. Substrate Builders not wishing to continue working after Fertile Substrate will not have the option to stay on site during those weekdays.
APPLY TO FERTILE SUBSTRATE
The volunteer application window closes June 30. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by July 7.
FERTILE SUBSTRATE FEE POLICY
If your application is accepted, we will ask that you pay a $15 non-refundable Volunteer Impact Fee using a credit card by July 15, 2026. In the event that you cancel your attendance or do not engage for the entirety of Fertile Substrate's two work sessions (approximately 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM Saturday and Sunday, or 20 working hours total), you will not receive a pass to the Convergence. Substrate Builders do not need to pay for parking during Fertile Substrate or the RMC, but will need to purchase a Car Camping Pass if they choose to sleep in their vehicle at the RMC.
