While fungi are known for their remarkable mushrooms, they perform many roles in the environment that make them great for enhancing the quality of the landscape. From improving soil fertility to water filtration to breaking down toxins and improving plant health, fungi can provide a range of benefits to your yard, garden, farm, neighborhood or city. Come learn practical methods for using fungi in your landscape to increase its health and resiliency, including:


Improving soil health with decomposer fungi

Adding beneficial mycorrhizal fungi to plants

Breaking down paper and other urban wastes into soil

Enhancing fungal diversity in compost

How to look for fungi and other soil microbes with a microscope


Hands on demonstrations will be complemented by group discussions and presentations on the relevant concepts and theories of mycology, mycoremediation and soil science. All backgrounds and skill levels are welcome including homeowners, gardeners, farmers, researchers, land designers, land managers, curious minds and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the benefits of fungi in the environment.

Speaker Bio:
Leif Olson is an environmental scientist and practitioner based in western North Carolina. With an interdisciplinary background in mycology, wetland science, environmental chemistry, ecology, landscape design and sustainable agriculture, he works to connect the understanding and implementation of ecological function, environmental health, and human need. He received a bachelor's degree in ecology from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 2011 and a Master's in ecotoxicology from Duke University in 2016. His company, Integrated Land Enhancement, provides research, land management and educational services. Leif is currently engaged with performing and facilitating research with universities, private companies and municipalities and enabling people of all backgrounds to perform citizen science and environmental research.