About Wildwood

The name Wildwood comes from a lake community in central Illinois where I spent summers growing up with my siblings, surrounded by deep woods and the love of my grandparents. Those days of exploring, learning, and simply being outside shaped who I am today. Naming this venture Wildwood is my way of honoring those memories and keeping them alive with every harvest. What began as a love for wild mushroom foraging eventually grew into something more. Today, I cultivate a small selection of gourmet mushrooms right here in Arlington Heights, IL — currently focusing on Blue Oyster and Lion’s Mane varieties. Growing on a micro scale allows me to stay true to what matters most: growing sustainably, responsibly, and with close attention to quality. Every mushroom is grown with care and the patience nature deserves — because good things take time to flourish. While I’m focused on these two varieties for now, I’m always learning and exploring new possibilities. Wildwood is a reflection of that spirit — staying connected to nature, honoring the past, and sharing something special with my local community.

— Jimmy Pasakarnis, grower and founder of Wildwood Mushroom Cultivators

With Grandma on the lake — these moments are the heart of Wildwood.