Our Philosophy:
Some of our ecological ancestors were fungi partnered with cyanobacteria. In remembering this on land where human ancestors lived, we acknowledge that we currently live on unceded Abenaki territory where blood, bones, and chords lie below soil. As "settlers" living during 'The 6th Great Extinction,' aiming to transform extractive into regenerative systems, we look to the microbe, fungi, and plant networks for guidance, and mutually symbiotic partnership models.
MycoEvolve honors the cradle to grave potential below our feet. When we tend ecological networks we revitalize, and facilitate the process of rehabilitation, remediation, into eventual rematriation. We consciously learn and practice interspecies communication. Listening mostly....
MycoEvolve aims to reconcile how humans have and are disturbing earth's balance. Through research, earthworks, and education we support land tenders to consciously, diversify habitat in ways that support pollinators and their food web neighborhood. As we nurture our trophic network, in which we are nested, we facilitate watershed health through interspecies collaboration and equitable resource sharing.
Some of our ecological ancestors were fungi partnered with cyanobacteria. In remembering this on land where human ancestors lived, we acknowledge that we currently live on unceded Abenaki territory where blood, bones, and chords lie below soil. As "settlers" living during 'The 6th Great Extinction,' aiming to transform extractive into regenerative systems, we look to the microbe, fungi, and plant networks for guidance, and mutually symbiotic partnership models.
MycoEvolve honors the cradle to grave potential below our feet. When we tend ecological networks we revitalize, and facilitate the process of rehabilitation, remediation, into eventual rematriation. We consciously learn and practice interspecies communication. Listening mostly....
MycoEvolve aims to reconcile how humans have and are disturbing earth's balance. Through research, earthworks, and education we support land tenders to consciously, diversify habitat in ways that support pollinators and their food web neighborhood. As we nurture our trophic network, in which we are nested, we facilitate watershed health through interspecies collaboration and equitable resource sharing.
Our Team:
Founder, Earth Tender, Researcher, Educator & Creative Director
Jess Rubin (she/her, they) practices listening to and reading surrounding landscapes. While gardening and wilderness guiding, Jess earned herbalism, nature awareness, outdoor education, & permaculture certificates, a BA from Cornell University in Ecological Literature with Native American Studies minor, & an MS in Environmental Studies with VT middle & high school science teaching licenses from Antioch NE. She has served as a nature mentor, wilderness guide, university farm co-manager, waldorf earthcrafts educator, public school science teacher, environmental studies college adjunct, university guest lecturer, scientific researcher, conservation crew leader, ethical rewilding gardener, and corridor monitor, while observing earth system dynamics as a student of trophic relationships. As she rehabilitates degraded ecosystems, and rejuvenates recovering habitats, she recently earned from UVM's Plant Soil Science Department a Masters in Science with a concentration in Ecological Landscape Design. Relevant resume.
Jess Rubin (she/her, they) practices listening to and reading surrounding landscapes. While gardening and wilderness guiding, Jess earned herbalism, nature awareness, outdoor education, & permaculture certificates, a BA from Cornell University in Ecological Literature with Native American Studies minor, & an MS in Environmental Studies with VT middle & high school science teaching licenses from Antioch NE. She has served as a nature mentor, wilderness guide, university farm co-manager, waldorf earthcrafts educator, public school science teacher, environmental studies college adjunct, university guest lecturer, scientific researcher, conservation crew leader, ethical rewilding gardener, and corridor monitor, while observing earth system dynamics as a student of trophic relationships. As she rehabilitates degraded ecosystems, and rejuvenates recovering habitats, she recently earned from UVM's Plant Soil Science Department a Masters in Science with a concentration in Ecological Landscape Design. Relevant resume.
Myco-Phytoremediation & Rematriation Research Intern
Luca Kolba (he/him) is a senior at UVM majoring in environmental studies and minoring in food systems. He's focused his studies on issues of land and food sovereignty, environmental justice, and regenerative agriculture practices. He has worked in a range of areas; as a counselor at a radical Jewish farm camp, a kid's ceramics instructor, a journalist for local VT papers, and in herbalism as an apothecary intern. As an avid (low-impact) forager and mycophile, Luca is thrilled to be on the MycoEvolve team assisting with myco-phytoremediation research and the ongoing journey towards rematriation.
Luca Kolba (he/him) is a senior at UVM majoring in environmental studies and minoring in food systems. He's focused his studies on issues of land and food sovereignty, environmental justice, and regenerative agriculture practices. He has worked in a range of areas; as a counselor at a radical Jewish farm camp, a kid's ceramics instructor, a journalist for local VT papers, and in herbalism as an apothecary intern. As an avid (low-impact) forager and mycophile, Luca is thrilled to be on the MycoEvolve team assisting with myco-phytoremediation research and the ongoing journey towards rematriation.
Pollinator Researcher
Cheryl Herrick (she/her) is a mom, writer, neighbor and student in Burlington, Vermont. She has worked in communications and fundraising for nearly three decades, including 10 years telling the story of the Center for Sustainable Agriculture's work. She earned her BA in Cultural Studies at Burlington College in 1995, received a Master's in Sustainable Leadership Systems through UVM's Rubenstein School in 2019, and began a doctoral program in Transdisciplinary Leadership in summer 2021.
Cheryl Herrick (she/her) is a mom, writer, neighbor and student in Burlington, Vermont. She has worked in communications and fundraising for nearly three decades, including 10 years telling the story of the Center for Sustainable Agriculture's work. She earned her BA in Cultural Studies at Burlington College in 1995, received a Master's in Sustainable Leadership Systems through UVM's Rubenstein School in 2019, and began a doctoral program in Transdisciplinary Leadership in summer 2021.
Photographer & Videographer
John Howard is a photographer and videographer who specializes in creating media for environmentally and socially impactful businesses, as well as artists, creatives, and inspired people. Website: john-howard.com
John Howard is a photographer and videographer who specializes in creating media for environmentally and socially impactful businesses, as well as artists, creatives, and inspired people. Website: john-howard.com
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MycoEvolve is grateful to work with talented beings. Our team consists of project, season, and recently Covid responsive networks. There are many life forms (living & transforming) who were/are foundational to our inspiration & endurance. A special shout out to all youth, elders, community volunteers, interns, specialists & beloved Radical Mycology Community . To the right are snapshots of some of our beloved community.
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Folx who have worked with us in the past & contributed significantly to projects: thank you!
Research Assistant
Sebastian contributed stellar mapping skills to both the Shelburne Farms site as well as to the Barge Canal
Community Science Inventory, both of which are now Inaturalist projects. Sebastian also assisted in the initial field planting at Diggers' Mirth.
Sebastian Strong (he/him) brings a passion for understanding environmental systems and a professional background in hydrology, soil science, and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) design. His most recent work was to develop hydraulic and hydrologic models to support Town and Regional stormwater plans and to design and permit stormwater infrastructure. He is currently most interested in ecological design and restoration ecology. Sebastian holds degrees in Physics from Skidmore College and Environmental Engineering from Dartmouth College.
Sebastian contributed stellar mapping skills to both the Shelburne Farms site as well as to the Barge Canal
Community Science Inventory, both of which are now Inaturalist projects. Sebastian also assisted in the initial field planting at Diggers' Mirth.
Sebastian Strong (he/him) brings a passion for understanding environmental systems and a professional background in hydrology, soil science, and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) design. His most recent work was to develop hydraulic and hydrologic models to support Town and Regional stormwater plans and to design and permit stormwater infrastructure. He is currently most interested in ecological design and restoration ecology. Sebastian holds degrees in Physics from Skidmore College and Environmental Engineering from Dartmouth College.
Myco-Phytoremediation Research Assistant
Mary was a stellar research assistant who contributed lots of labor to our mesocosm & Shelburne Farms projects, both of which were published in peer-reviewed journals. Thank you Mary!!
Mary Robideau graduated in the summer of 2021 from Sterling College with a B.A. in Ecology and a minor in Education. They have spent several years studying forest ecosystems, field ecology, botany, and experiential education, splitting their presence and focus between Abenaki land in so-called Vermont and their childhood home in Monocan/Powhatan lands (so-called central Virginia). While in school, they have worked jobs ranging from carpentry to trail maintenance to perennial farming to bike couriering, but now they are excited to focus on ecological remediation and research, where their passion lies. In their free time, they are a sporadic folk musician and a novice forager and wildcrafter.
Mary was a stellar research assistant who contributed lots of labor to our mesocosm & Shelburne Farms projects, both of which were published in peer-reviewed journals. Thank you Mary!!
Mary Robideau graduated in the summer of 2021 from Sterling College with a B.A. in Ecology and a minor in Education. They have spent several years studying forest ecosystems, field ecology, botany, and experiential education, splitting their presence and focus between Abenaki land in so-called Vermont and their childhood home in Monocan/Powhatan lands (so-called central Virginia). While in school, they have worked jobs ranging from carpentry to trail maintenance to perennial farming to bike couriering, but now they are excited to focus on ecological remediation and research, where their passion lies. In their free time, they are a sporadic folk musician and a novice forager and wildcrafter.
Mycological mentor, teacher, consultant for EPSCoR BREE, Colchester project & MycoEvolve.
Sue was my first official mycology teacher in an academic setting, who introduced me to the fungi 'queendom.' She also mentored me during the first few years of incredibly steep learning curves.
Sue Van Hook, is most often found immersed in nature looking for fungi. Sue studied botany and mycology at Humboldt State University BA 1977, MA 1985. She taught biology and environmental science at Skidmore College for 18 years after working for 10 years in land stewardship and conservation. Her most recent position was Mycologist for Ecovative Design, a biomaterials research and development company using fungal mycelium and plant waste to replace plastic foams.
Suevanhook.com
Sue was my first official mycology teacher in an academic setting, who introduced me to the fungi 'queendom.' She also mentored me during the first few years of incredibly steep learning curves.
Sue Van Hook, is most often found immersed in nature looking for fungi. Sue studied botany and mycology at Humboldt State University BA 1977, MA 1985. She taught biology and environmental science at Skidmore College for 18 years after working for 10 years in land stewardship and conservation. Her most recent position was Mycologist for Ecovative Design, a biomaterials research and development company using fungal mycelium and plant waste to replace plastic foams.
Suevanhook.com
Mycological Research Technician For EPSCoR BREE & Core Collaborator in VT Myconode (now Mycolab).
Hannah was a brave and enthusiastic collaborator in the early founding of Mycolab, when we cultivated fungi in the kitchen and intrepidly investigated saprophytic mats in our first mycofiltration project which we presented at SER.
Hannah Huber completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2014 at Paul Smith’s College in biology and environmental science, with a minor in chemistry, and while there met her first mycology mentor, mushroom dye artist Susan Hopkins. Originally from Michigan, Hannah began her mushroom education in the 90’s hunting for morels with her father as a toddler. Hannah believes in the intelligence of fungi to lend a “helping hypha.' Hannah earned a Masters of Professional Studies in Applied Ecology at SUNY ESF.
Hannah was a brave and enthusiastic collaborator in the early founding of Mycolab, when we cultivated fungi in the kitchen and intrepidly investigated saprophytic mats in our first mycofiltration project which we presented at SER.
Hannah Huber completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2014 at Paul Smith’s College in biology and environmental science, with a minor in chemistry, and while there met her first mycology mentor, mushroom dye artist Susan Hopkins. Originally from Michigan, Hannah began her mushroom education in the 90’s hunting for morels with her father as a toddler. Hannah believes in the intelligence of fungi to lend a “helping hypha.' Hannah earned a Masters of Professional Studies in Applied Ecology at SUNY ESF.
Environmental Statistician and Research Consultant for Colchester Project
Leif was a stellar statisician and consult during the steep learning curve of our early days doing mycoresearch.
Leif Olson is an interdisciplinary environmental scientist and practitioner who works to connect the understanding and implementation and ecological function, environmental health, and human need. He received his bachelor's degree in ecology from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 2011 and his Master's in ecotoxicology from Duke University in 2016. He has worked and performed research in the fields of mycology, wetland science, environmental chemistry, community ecology, landscape design and sustainable agriculture. He is the founder of Integrated Land Enhancement, a company dedicated to improving landscape health by understanding and leveraging the properties of nature. Before recently entering a doctorate program, Leif was involved in performing and facilitating research with universities, private companies and municipalities. integratedlandenhancement.com
Leif was a stellar statisician and consult during the steep learning curve of our early days doing mycoresearch.
Leif Olson is an interdisciplinary environmental scientist and practitioner who works to connect the understanding and implementation and ecological function, environmental health, and human need. He received his bachelor's degree in ecology from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 2011 and his Master's in ecotoxicology from Duke University in 2016. He has worked and performed research in the fields of mycology, wetland science, environmental chemistry, community ecology, landscape design and sustainable agriculture. He is the founder of Integrated Land Enhancement, a company dedicated to improving landscape health by understanding and leveraging the properties of nature. Before recently entering a doctorate program, Leif was involved in performing and facilitating research with universities, private companies and municipalities. integratedlandenhancement.com
Mechanical Engineer, and Design/Installation Consultant for Colchester Project
Jason McCune has spent his career advancing ecological alternative technologies. In addition to his educational background in environmental science (BS) and engineering (BS civil, MS mechanical), he brings hands-on skills and tools in construction, fabrication, civil and mechanical design, fabrication and forestry to the table. This enables Jason to help innovative projects from the concept and impact assessment through design, pilot and installation phases. Jason’s portfolio includes patents on small-scale anaerobic digester technologies and most recently the development of large-scale machinery that aerate and extract heat from compost piles: www.agrilabtechnologies.com
Jason McCune has spent his career advancing ecological alternative technologies. In addition to his educational background in environmental science (BS) and engineering (BS civil, MS mechanical), he brings hands-on skills and tools in construction, fabrication, civil and mechanical design, fabrication and forestry to the table. This enables Jason to help innovative projects from the concept and impact assessment through design, pilot and installation phases. Jason’s portfolio includes patents on small-scale anaerobic digester technologies and most recently the development of large-scale machinery that aerate and extract heat from compost piles: www.agrilabtechnologies.com
Research Assistant on the Colchester Project and Initial Water Resource consultant for SARE Shelburne Farms project
Lauren Weston has worked on a wide range on engineering, environmental, justice-based, and water-specific projects. Since graduating from Smith College in 2015 with a B.S. in Engineering Science, Lauren has been working in new places around the world and gaining a diverse set of skills in all things ecological. Her recent experience includes serving as a Water Resource Engineer at Milone & MacBroom in Waterbury, VT which consisted largely of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, dam removal design, stormwater capture and treatment design, river and floodplain restoration, and permitting. Other previous experiences include serving as an AmeriCorps member for the State of Washington Conservation Corps, civil engineer overseeing solar energy installations in MA, and production manager for a ceramic water filter factory in Uganda. Currently, Lauren is involved with organic farming, organizing community discussions regarding climate change and regenerative agriculture, and utilizing fungi. She hopes to continue to find new ways to heal the planet and get everyone moving towards a new paradigm.
Lauren Weston has worked on a wide range on engineering, environmental, justice-based, and water-specific projects. Since graduating from Smith College in 2015 with a B.S. in Engineering Science, Lauren has been working in new places around the world and gaining a diverse set of skills in all things ecological. Her recent experience includes serving as a Water Resource Engineer at Milone & MacBroom in Waterbury, VT which consisted largely of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, dam removal design, stormwater capture and treatment design, river and floodplain restoration, and permitting. Other previous experiences include serving as an AmeriCorps member for the State of Washington Conservation Corps, civil engineer overseeing solar energy installations in MA, and production manager for a ceramic water filter factory in Uganda. Currently, Lauren is involved with organic farming, organizing community discussions regarding climate change and regenerative agriculture, and utilizing fungi. She hopes to continue to find new ways to heal the planet and get everyone moving towards a new paradigm.
In service to watershed Pitawabagok (as the Abenaki call it: 'The Lake Between,') known by settlers as Lake Champlain,
MycoEvolve is ready to ground into land to grow a living culture laboratory, classroom, and potential nursery for native flora; supporting Abenaki rematriation, slave descendant reparations, and sovereignty for all marginalized populations to find sanctuary and wholesome land access. Any leads on land, biking distance (under 2o miles) from Chittenden County, are welcome! Thanks. |
Please contact us if you are interested in joining, collaborating, & or in supporting this endeavor!
(802) 839 -8286 yepeth@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/mycoevolve/ |
©2022 MycoEvolve; DBA of Roots and Trails L3C
