41st Annual Telluride Mushroom Festival

This is a mycoremediation tale focusing on native fungi and pollutants. Journey with me through research on new ways to harness fungi to break down pollutants in urban and rural environments. First, we'll explore this approach in the context of factory-polluted sites and then we'll explore new research into using native fungi to mitigate the impacts of wildfire. We delve into the fungi on site, create strategies to play to the strengths of these fungi, and find exciting mycoremediators beyond the white rot fungi!

Fungi are found on all continents and in all habitats, from the frozen tundra to arid deserts. How have fungi evolved to survive this extreme temperature, blinding sun exposure, and lack of moisture? We will explore fungal species found in these inhospitable, fringe habitats and contemplate the adaptations which enable these species to persist and succeed in these seemingly harsh environments.

Fungi are found on all continents and in all habitats. How can mushrooms, with only microscopic spores, disperse and become established throughout the world? We will explore the myriad of dispersal mechanisms fungi use to move and become established into new habitats.

Learn about new directions in Mycoremediation using native soil mycorrhizae. Have a look through a microscope at the tiny mycorrhizal structures at work in the soil. Join our discussion about using a variety of fungal-based methods for improving soil fertility and establishing native plants, including potential uses of fungi in land management and municipal infrastructure. The Demo will be followed by a walking tour of different sites close to town.

 MEET AT SOH