Our Philosophy:
Some of our ecological ancestors were fungi partnered with cyanobacteria. In remembering this on land where ancestors of our species lived, we acknowledge that we currently live on unceded Abenaki territory where blood, bones, and living 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 aim to nurture mutually reciprocal partnerships.
MycoEvolve honors the cradle to grave potential below and around our feet. When we tend ecological networks we revitalize, and facilitate the process of rehabilitation, rewiring, realigning into eventual rematriation, shared earthhomeland kin. We consciously learn and practice interspecies communication. Listening... watching...feeling....sensing..
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 ancestors of our species lived, we acknowledge that we currently live on unceded Abenaki territory where blood, bones, and living 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 aim to nurture mutually reciprocal partnerships.
MycoEvolve honors the cradle to grave potential below and around our feet. When we tend ecological networks we revitalize, and facilitate the process of rehabilitation, rewiring, realigning into eventual rematriation, shared earthhomeland kin. We consciously learn and practice interspecies communication. Listening... watching...feeling....sensing..
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.
MycoEvolve Team:
Founder, Earth Tender, Researcher, Educator, Creative Facilitator, Mycolab: Team Member, Mentor, & Guide
Jess Rubin (she/her, they. we) 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. She recently earned from UVM's Plant Soil Science Department a Masters in Science with a concentration in Ecological Landscape Design. She now aims to: rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, rejuvenate recovering habitats, educate and train the next generation in ecological literacy & earth repair skills, guide institutions into more regenerative land tending approaches that are up to speed with the science in collaboration with the land's Original Peoples, and facilitate ecological reconciliation rooted in equity for all. Relevant resume.
Jess Rubin (she/her, they. we) 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. She recently earned from UVM's Plant Soil Science Department a Masters in Science with a concentration in Ecological Landscape Design. She now aims to: rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, rejuvenate recovering habitats, educate and train the next generation in ecological literacy & earth repair skills, guide institutions into more regenerative land tending approaches that are up to speed with the science in collaboration with the land's Original Peoples, and facilitate ecological reconciliation rooted in equity for all. Relevant resume.
Myco-Phytoremediation Research Assistant
Luca Kolba (he/him) just graduated from UVM majoring in environmental studies and minoring in food systems. His studies were focused 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. As of winter 2023, Luca serves as an endemic mycorrhizal grower for UVM in the Plant Soil Science Department, for our Shelburne Farms project, following a guide he recently coauthored.
Luca Kolba (he/him) just graduated from UVM majoring in environmental studies and minoring in food systems. His studies were focused 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. As of winter 2023, Luca serves as an endemic mycorrhizal grower for UVM in the Plant Soil Science Department, for our Shelburne Farms project, following a guide he recently coauthored.
Photographer & Videographer For MycoEvolve and Mycolab's Work
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
Mycolab Team:
Youth Mentor, Restoration Assistant, Communications Specialist
Brianna Arnold (Bri) is a creative visionary, musician, painter, youth mentor, and student of earth. As a teen her connection with the natural world deepened through farming, and ever since she is inspired by our capacity to shape and steward land. In Winter 2020 she received a BA in Plant Biology from the University of Vermont. Currently Bri works as a Forest School Mentor at ReTribe in Underhill, VT. She is also ReTribe’s Social Media Manager and a member of their Community Living Program. Bri became involved with the Pine Street Barge Canal through restoration training and community science events in Summer 2022, and is eager to continue supporting slow, impactful healing processes among our human and more-than-human communities. Bri also collaborates with the Caliata Initiative, a participatory action research group that supports indigenous agrarian communities in Ecuadorian highlands. Woven through Bri’s service are values of Joy, courage, patience, and tikkun olam, translated as: repair the world.
Brianna Arnold (Bri) is a creative visionary, musician, painter, youth mentor, and student of earth. As a teen her connection with the natural world deepened through farming, and ever since she is inspired by our capacity to shape and steward land. In Winter 2020 she received a BA in Plant Biology from the University of Vermont. Currently Bri works as a Forest School Mentor at ReTribe in Underhill, VT. She is also ReTribe’s Social Media Manager and a member of their Community Living Program. Bri became involved with the Pine Street Barge Canal through restoration training and community science events in Summer 2022, and is eager to continue supporting slow, impactful healing processes among our human and more-than-human communities. Bri also collaborates with the Caliata Initiative, a participatory action research group that supports indigenous agrarian communities in Ecuadorian highlands. Woven through Bri’s service are values of Joy, courage, patience, and tikkun olam, translated as: repair the world.
Youth Mentor, Restoration Assistant, Community Outreach Coordinator
Colton Francis has supported youth development for nearly a decade through sharing earth-based practices and incorporating collective care into group dynamics. Currently he is a mentor at Crowspath, a field school program based in Burlington, Vermont where he teaches naturalist and survival skills, supports social emotional learning and shares creative play with a wide age range of children. Colton also works at ReTribe's Teen Naturalist Program where he holds a similar mentorship role. While pursuing a degree in outdoor education at Sterling College, he worked with individuals at Rutland Mental Health sharing passion and knowledge about gardening and creating horizontal leadership. During this time Colton also worked with homeschool students leading programs throughout the seasons sharing knowledge to develop community-oriented ecoliteracy. Since 2022 Colton has worked with Mycolab supporting community science and clean up days at the Pine street Barge Canal. Colton is excited to weave his passions for fostering earth-based connection and creating social harmony as a core member of Mycolab.
Colton Francis has supported youth development for nearly a decade through sharing earth-based practices and incorporating collective care into group dynamics. Currently he is a mentor at Crowspath, a field school program based in Burlington, Vermont where he teaches naturalist and survival skills, supports social emotional learning and shares creative play with a wide age range of children. Colton also works at ReTribe's Teen Naturalist Program where he holds a similar mentorship role. While pursuing a degree in outdoor education at Sterling College, he worked with individuals at Rutland Mental Health sharing passion and knowledge about gardening and creating horizontal leadership. During this time Colton also worked with homeschool students leading programs throughout the seasons sharing knowledge to develop community-oriented ecoliteracy. Since 2022 Colton has worked with Mycolab supporting community science and clean up days at the Pine street Barge Canal. Colton is excited to weave his passions for fostering earth-based connection and creating social harmony as a core member of Mycolab.
Outreach Coordinator and Administrative Support
Anna Prouty (she/they) is a writer, bodyworker and community organizer with years of experience in grassroots networks for social and ecological justice. She works with MycoLab on outreach and networking, project operations and general administrative support. She has worked in outreach and project management for grassroots organizations including Symbiosis, Cooperation Humboldt and DegrowUS. She holds a BA in Political Science and a MSc in Political Sociology, and is currently pursuing a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on ecopsychology and community mental health.
Anna Prouty (she/they) is a writer, bodyworker and community organizer with years of experience in grassroots networks for social and ecological justice. She works with MycoLab on outreach and networking, project operations and general administrative support. She has worked in outreach and project management for grassroots organizations including Symbiosis, Cooperation Humboldt and DegrowUS. She holds a BA in Political Science and a MSc in Political Sociology, and is currently pursuing a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on ecopsychology and community mental health.
MycoEvolve is grateful to work with talented beings. Our team consists of project-oriented, seasonal, Covid-responsive, grassroots nurturing networks. There are many life forms (living & transforming) who were/are foundational to our inspiration & endurance. A special shout out to all Original Peoples, youth, elders, marginalized humans, community volunteers, interns, specialists, young workers & Radical Mycology Community . Below are some of our beloved community.
Folx who have worked with us in the past & contributed significantly to projects: thank you!
Pollinator Research Intern
Chery gathered initial data on pollinator visitation populations in the Shelburne Farms Pilot to determine how increased pollinator habitat in the restored plots affects actual numbers of pollinators present compared to the control and between the restored plots.
Cheryl Herrick Carmi (she/her) is a mom, writer, neighbor and student in Burlington, Vermont. She 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.
Chery gathered initial data on pollinator visitation populations in the Shelburne Farms Pilot to determine how increased pollinator habitat in the restored plots affects actual numbers of pollinators present compared to the control and between the restored plots.
Cheryl Herrick Carmi (she/her) is a mom, writer, neighbor and student in Burlington, Vermont. She 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.
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 recent work was to develop hydraulic and hydrologic models to support Town and Regional stormwater plans, to design and permit stormwater infrastructure. He was 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 recent work was to develop hydraulic and hydrologic models to support Town and Regional stormwater plans, to design and permit stormwater infrastructure. He was 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.
Please contact us if you are interested in harnessing, collaborating, & or in supporting this service!
(802) 839 -8286 https://www.facebook.com/mycoevolve/
(802) 839 -8286 https://www.facebook.com/mycoevolve/
