Mycolab is the community branch of MycoEvolve which:
- offers education, training and mentoring to those entering the field of ecological restoration
- supports local, community initiatives aimed to conserve and repair wild lands
- fosters ecoliteracy throughout the community with focus on marginalized peoples
- shares curriculum that MycoEvolve develops and research MycoEvolve conducts in creative, accessible ways
- forms effective collaborations with businesses, individuals, schools, & organizations to support social/ecological health
Brief history of the Pine Stree Barge Canal
The Pine Street Barge Canal (PSBC) is a fragile urban wildland in the south end of Burlington, on unceded territory where the Abenaki fished and lived for thousands of years until settlers filled the wetland area with wood chips and sawdust, built a railroad, and dug a canal. The area became a log landing for the lumber industry (1860's-1890s) before being taken over by the petroleum industry for a manufactured gas plant in 1908. When the plant closed in 1966, the parcels were designated brownfield and Superfund sites, left to naturally attenuate. The canal was capped to prevent 56 toxins of concern from seeping into Lake Champlain. Now, a property developer is building a Nordic spa on the brownfield site and aims to donate one of the adjacent Superfund sites to the city of Burlington. We are doing all we can to ensure it will be put in conservation so that it can be restored, remediated and eventually rematriated by the Abenaki and local community.
Our focus is currently on the Pine Street Barge Canal which we tend through:
- Conservation Efforts deemed necessary through our Community Science; Check out: Pine street Barge Canal Superfund Sites. Gathering baseline ecological inventory to record natural attenuation and cause for conservation.
- Ecological Resotoration Workshops; learn to respectfully remove nonnative species mechanically, minimize soil disturbance, and restored this degraded site with site specific native species.
- College/ University Class Projects: UVM's Field Naturalist, Soil Water Pollution Remediation, Reclaiming the Commons classes and St Michael's GIS class have done semester-long projects here with our guidance.
- Remediation Research: of the 56 toxins of concern present in the soil and water amidst the peat. Currently naturally attenuation is occurring via microbes, fungi, and plants. Local microbes, fungi, and plants (through bio, myco, & phytoremediation) can degrade, sequester, extract the contaminants over time through successional strategies in carefully planned and monitored research pilots.
- Rematriation: Abenaki reclaim land access to live their traditional ways. Marginalized groups reclaim ecoliteracy and land access.
Left image is Summer 2022 Missisquoi Chief Joanne Crawford & son Chad came to the site which he smudged. We gifted them tobacco grown from seeds we saved from Alnobaiwi .
Right image is VT Youth Build, an organization empowering youth (16-24) to build their future through education, job skills training, and service. They learn science and skills relevant to ecological restoration field at the site.
Right image is VT Youth Build, an organization empowering youth (16-24) to build their future through education, job skills training, and service. They learn science and skills relevant to ecological restoration field at the site.
As of Fall 2023 our accomplishments include:
- In our first year, in a previous form, we supported the founding of the Friends of the Barge Canal, a local 501C3 which aims to support the conservation and restoration of the site.
- We conducted 18 Community Science Events which invite local community members to join us to document the species in these sites and recording them in Pine Street Barge Canal iNaturalist Projects. So far 216 species have research grade, including two Vulnerable, 1 Critically Endangered and 1 Critically Imperiled.
- We hosted 8 ecological restoration workshops; 2 acres of nonnative species have begun to be removed and 1.5 lbs of native wetland seed planted.
- We hosted & created 5 projects for college classes (UVM: PSS 269 (Pollution Remediation), PBIO311 (Field Naturalists), CDAE 395 (Reclaiming the Commons) & St Michael’s ES 260 (GIS), & ES 201 (Environmental Research Methods).
- We began working to update the legal definition of remediation, which is currently outdated (scoop dump build, or cap over) in its understandings of true remediation, irresponsible to future generations and > 20 years behind true remediation science. We have identified the gaps in law and policy (but not yet the exact path of how to create bridges through them!)
- We compiled peer-reviewed journal articles on effective remediation strategies addressing the specific toxins of concern at this site and began designing several viable remediation pilot studies.
- Hosted an Abenaki panel with 3 local Abenaki community members, learning about their ancestoral, current and future relationship to this complex site. This models how the land's Original Peoples can be included as primary stakeholders in land tending decisions.
As of Fall 2023, Our plan moving forward includes:
- Deciding if we will continue to work at this site. (Donations welcome!! see below) (While we received a GROW grant from NEGEF 90% of our work is volunteer).
- Finishing hosting our community science days, gathering baseline ecological inventory on both Superfund Sites
- Continuing to remove nonnative species through accessible, ecological restoration educational workshops, now mostly with student groups
- Working collaboratively to codesign a native plant palette to replace the nonnative species removed
- Assembling students, scientists, and professors to conduct robust remediation pilots in the future
- Nurturing ongoing relationships with this land’s Original Peoples, the Abenaki,
- Preparing to share findings from our Ecological Inventory and restoration workshops on the land with the Burlington Conservation Board November 2023.
- Fostering diverse, compassionate, ecologically and socially agile, bioregional earth repair networks
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.
Mentor, & Guide, Restoration and Education Lead
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, and a MS with a concentration in Ecological Landscape Design from UVM Plant Soil Science Department. Currently Jess guides MycoEvolve's community branch Mycolab, works as a Myco-Phytoremediation Research Technician in the UVM Plant Soil Science Department, is an Earth Repair Educator for VT Youth Build, serves as a guest lecturer for UVM's Rubenstein School, teaches ecological restoration in various local schools such BTV City and Lakes, St.Michael's College, and offers ecological resilience services to clients throughout unceded Abenaki Territory Additionally, she serves on the leadership team of the VT Fungal Scientific Advisory Group (FSAG), which aims to elevate fungi through documentation, increasing the state's understanding of fungal communities, diversity, sensitivities, impact, and role in natural communities. 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, and a MS with a concentration in Ecological Landscape Design from UVM Plant Soil Science Department. Currently Jess guides MycoEvolve's community branch Mycolab, works as a Myco-Phytoremediation Research Technician in the UVM Plant Soil Science Department, is an Earth Repair Educator for VT Youth Build, serves as a guest lecturer for UVM's Rubenstein School, teaches ecological restoration in various local schools such BTV City and Lakes, St.Michael's College, and offers ecological resilience services to clients throughout unceded Abenaki Territory Additionally, she serves on the leadership team of the VT Fungal Scientific Advisory Group (FSAG), which aims to elevate fungi through documentation, increasing the state's understanding of fungal communities, diversity, sensitivities, impact, and role in natural communities. Relevant resume.
Core Member, 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
Local Mycolab Member
Andy Bainton (all pronouns) has spent the last three years relating to land by both working on farms and exploring the green mountains of Vermont on weekend hikes and backpacking trips. Currently Andy is finishing UVM's Farmer Training Program, after which they hope to get involved in efforts to increase access to local food in Burlington, VT, as well as helping community members establish their own gardens. Andy has experience as an educator from leading a farm crew at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, and they have worked with a wide array of edible and medicinal plants, from whom they continue to learn every day. This year Andy has been getting especially interested in fungi, and has been learning DIY cultivation techniques for edible and medicinal mushrooms, as well as building their knowledge of wild fungal species, and is excited to learn more about ways fungi can remediate toxic chemicals in the soil. As a member of MycoLab, Andy intends to spread eco-literacy by sharing in learning through books, community conversation, and observing, listening to land.
Andy Bainton (all pronouns) has spent the last three years relating to land by both working on farms and exploring the green mountains of Vermont on weekend hikes and backpacking trips. Currently Andy is finishing UVM's Farmer Training Program, after which they hope to get involved in efforts to increase access to local food in Burlington, VT, as well as helping community members establish their own gardens. Andy has experience as an educator from leading a farm crew at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, and they have worked with a wide array of edible and medicinal plants, from whom they continue to learn every day. This year Andy has been getting especially interested in fungi, and has been learning DIY cultivation techniques for edible and medicinal mushrooms, as well as building their knowledge of wild fungal species, and is excited to learn more about ways fungi can remediate toxic chemicals in the soil. As a member of MycoLab, Andy intends to spread eco-literacy by sharing in learning through books, community conversation, and observing, listening to land.
Bioregional Youth Mentor, Restoration Assistant, Outreach Coordinator
Colton Francis has supported youth development for nearly a decade through sharing earth-based practices and incorporating collective care into group dynamics. He recently left being a mentor at Crowspath, a field school program based in Burlington, Vermont where he taught naturalist and survival skills, supported social emotional learning and shared creative play with a wide age range of children. Colton now is a wilderness guide for Kroka and ocassionally still works at ReTribe's Teen Naturalist Program.. 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. He recently left being a mentor at Crowspath, a field school program based in Burlington, Vermont where he taught naturalist and survival skills, supported social emotional learning and shared creative play with a wide age range of children. Colton now is a wilderness guide for Kroka and ocassionally still works at ReTribe's Teen Naturalist Program.. 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.
Mycolab's Herstory
Mycolab started as seeds inspired from the Radical Mycology Community. We had a little Vermont Myconode which experimented cultivating fungi. We researched, practiced inoculation techniques, and educated about how to apply fungi in habitat enhancing applications such as food & medicine in clean sites & through remediative infrastructure in polluted sites.
With support from NE Grassroots Environmental Funds (thank you!!!) we built a lab in a temporary permaculture community growing lavender in Charlotte. During this time we learned about cultivation, held monthly collective meetings, educational workshops, and grew spawn for mycoremediation pilot projects MycoEvolve was conducting. Our activities included: catching wild spores, transferring to agar & liquid cultures, cultivating fungal species, inoculating cold pasteurized straw with liquid cultures, transferring liquid to grain spawn & grain spawn to cold pasteurized straw, woodchips, & our homegrown hemphull sawdust mix, installing outdoor installations in community gardens, inoculating logs for food & medicine, tending a mycelium nursery and fungal strain library, providing lab space, spawn, and labor for local mycoremediation projects dedicated to watershed restoration.
After inevitable shifts the lab transitioned into germination mode. Jess reentered academia for furthur training and the group dispersed. Now rearisen we orient towards serving marginalized community members to increase ecological literacy, accessibility to scientific learning, and opportunities to engage and train all interested in the ecological restoration field. While fungi are a huge part of this work, so are microbes and plants!
2020 summer, the lab hosted (with help from NEGEF), Abenaki members of Alnobaiwi to offer rematriation ceremony at Shelburne Farms where we with Abenaki guide Myco-Phytoremediation research; this site like many needs remediation from years of colonial land practices that contribute to watershed degradation. These research plots also serve as Abenaki harvest ways since 88% of our plant palette has ceremonial, medicinal, edible, utilitarian use to Abenaki. Phosphorus is benign when uptaken in plants. We orient restoration & remediation projects to engage Original Peoples as primary stakeholders, while we work to repair colonial extraction practices' legacy.
In addition to tending MycoEvolve & UVM's ongoing Myco-Phytoremediation research at Shelburne Farms, we contributed curriculum, time, resources and expertise to support work of Friends of the Barge Canal, albeit complex politics, impending development and dearth of NE models for remediation at this contamination level. Hydrological engineers, mycologists, botanists, political scientists and other relevant experts are welcome to join our Mycolab team.
Mycolab is our community offering. We continue to write grants to fund these endeavors as we slowly shift the paradigm through decolonial, racially just, accessible, non capitalist forms of community care, earth tending, true remediation, ecological literacy, earth repair training and rematriation. This involves educating developers, city officials, mainstream scientists, and policy administrators in how to 'catch up' current mainstream institutional practices of dig, dump, build or cap over with current science of true remediation. This requires updating outdated definitions of remediation and accompanying policy/economic systems with innovative, rehabilitive solutions, learning together with everyone the technical science & softer skills of conscious communication and reciprocal collaboration. Stay tuned as the team grows and feel free to join us with your gifts and skills!!!
With support from NE Grassroots Environmental Funds (thank you!!!) we built a lab in a temporary permaculture community growing lavender in Charlotte. During this time we learned about cultivation, held monthly collective meetings, educational workshops, and grew spawn for mycoremediation pilot projects MycoEvolve was conducting. Our activities included: catching wild spores, transferring to agar & liquid cultures, cultivating fungal species, inoculating cold pasteurized straw with liquid cultures, transferring liquid to grain spawn & grain spawn to cold pasteurized straw, woodchips, & our homegrown hemphull sawdust mix, installing outdoor installations in community gardens, inoculating logs for food & medicine, tending a mycelium nursery and fungal strain library, providing lab space, spawn, and labor for local mycoremediation projects dedicated to watershed restoration.
After inevitable shifts the lab transitioned into germination mode. Jess reentered academia for furthur training and the group dispersed. Now rearisen we orient towards serving marginalized community members to increase ecological literacy, accessibility to scientific learning, and opportunities to engage and train all interested in the ecological restoration field. While fungi are a huge part of this work, so are microbes and plants!
2020 summer, the lab hosted (with help from NEGEF), Abenaki members of Alnobaiwi to offer rematriation ceremony at Shelburne Farms where we with Abenaki guide Myco-Phytoremediation research; this site like many needs remediation from years of colonial land practices that contribute to watershed degradation. These research plots also serve as Abenaki harvest ways since 88% of our plant palette has ceremonial, medicinal, edible, utilitarian use to Abenaki. Phosphorus is benign when uptaken in plants. We orient restoration & remediation projects to engage Original Peoples as primary stakeholders, while we work to repair colonial extraction practices' legacy.
In addition to tending MycoEvolve & UVM's ongoing Myco-Phytoremediation research at Shelburne Farms, we contributed curriculum, time, resources and expertise to support work of Friends of the Barge Canal, albeit complex politics, impending development and dearth of NE models for remediation at this contamination level. Hydrological engineers, mycologists, botanists, political scientists and other relevant experts are welcome to join our Mycolab team.
Mycolab is our community offering. We continue to write grants to fund these endeavors as we slowly shift the paradigm through decolonial, racially just, accessible, non capitalist forms of community care, earth tending, true remediation, ecological literacy, earth repair training and rematriation. This involves educating developers, city officials, mainstream scientists, and policy administrators in how to 'catch up' current mainstream institutional practices of dig, dump, build or cap over with current science of true remediation. This requires updating outdated definitions of remediation and accompanying policy/economic systems with innovative, rehabilitive solutions, learning together with everyone the technical science & softer skills of conscious communication and reciprocal collaboration. Stay tuned as the team grows and feel free to join us with your gifts and skills!!!