2015 Telluride Mushroom Festival

Decomposing fungi tend to receive the greatest attention in mycoremedaition for their powerful digestive abilities. But did you know that soil-dwelling mycorrhizal fungi can degrade many toxic chemicals as well? Did you know that mycorrhizae can adapt to contaminated soils and help protect the plants that they associate in these harsh environments? In this presentation, Peter will cover the numerous ways that mycorrhizae influence intact and disturbed ecosystems and how you can identify, cultivate, and remediate with these keystone species.

This lecture will cover the main challenges faced by Mycoremediators looking to expand the practice from the laboratory into the field. We'll explore the history and recent developments of Mycoremediation in the Sucumbios Region of Ecuador through the work of the Amazon Mycorenewal Project, and what the future holds for this unique area of the world commonly referred to as the "Lungs of the Earth". Then, Daniel will walk you through the lessons from the Amazon and how they are influencing his work in Texas through the Myco Alliance.

The earth is more fragile now than ever. How can we tap deeper into the power of fungi to create powerful new solutions to many of the challenges that we face over the next millennia? Dreaming of a world free from starvation, global pandemics, and warfare? Fortunately we have received a transmission from the future just in time, and humans have worshipped mushrooms many times before, but it will take a modern team of  empathetic leaders, a new political party, wielding disruptive, mycelial technologies, or game changing ways that fungi can change our world forever. From primary education of basic mushroom identification to militant mycologists targeting wood chip piles, Cotter examines the levels and connections needed to see this movement materialize, and suggests blueprints for improving and integrating fungi on every level, creating a powerful coexistence that is sure to empower and enhance the lives of all organisms that call planet Earth their home.

Mark Jones and Kris Holstrom will discuss growing mushrooms on Ailanthus, thistle and introduce the Eat Your Weeds project to convert invasive and opportunistic plant species into edible mushrooms, while also focusing on community based systems for stroring and sharing information to improve the education of the processes in developing novel food production system for humans and livestock alike.

Oyster mushrooms will grow on just about any agricultural by-product. In this session attendees will be able to learn the skills needed for both hot water bath and cold lime treatments for pasteurizing cereal straws for oyster mushroom production. Take home items will be small bags of inoculated oyster kits!

Many species of edible fungi sweat powerful enzymes into the environment capable of molecular disassembly of complex molecules such as hydrocarbons, aromatic chlorinated compounds, and pesticides. Mushrooms native to your area of the U.S. are also well adapted to filter, stun and destroy pathogenic bacteria that accompany failing septic systems, manure holding ponds, and even pet waste runoff. Learn how these mushrooms perform these miraculous tasks and how to develop a living barrier or filtration system that is customized to fit your needs. Talk will focus on biomass expansion, site engineering, and species of mushrooms that can be used for mycoremediation projects.

Used cigarette filters are one of the most commonly littered items in the world. As little sponges filled with heavy metals and toxic chemicals, finding an easy means to dealing with these familiar waste products should be seen as a top priority for garbage centers around the world. Luckily, fungi can help. In this presentation and demo, you will learn how decomposing mushrooms can help mitigate cigarette waste and how you can apply these practices at home or in your community. Using simple and scalable techniques, Peter will show how the power and potential of mycoremedaition can change our everyday lives.

What happens when you ask a group of scientists, writers, food experts and activists about the future of fungi? You have a lively discussion, that's for sure. Our guess is that all of the world's problems will be solved here on stage.

Join for the discussion, and have an opportunity to ask questions of this great group of presenters.