Myco-Phytoremediation in Multi-Functional Riparian Forest Buffers: Restoration, Education, Training, and Rematriation
at Shelburne Farms
2024-2026

Project Description

​​This project aims to improve current Best Management Practices for riparian forest buffer management through restoring degraded riparian habitats via replacing nonnative monocultures with native polycultures that mitigate phosphorus pollution, increase pollinator habitat, and facilitate Abenaki land access, while growing understanding of recovering ecosystems through soil and plant surveys accompanied by eco-literacy educational programs in the bioregional community.

​The main objectives of the project are to:

• restore degraded riparian buffers
• Mitigate phosphorus
• Increase pollinator habitat
• Facilitate land access to Abenaki
• Grow local eco-literacy
• Gather quantitative data 
• Inform current Best Management Practices for Forested Riparian Buffers

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Lake Champlain Basin NEIWPCC, UVM Extension for Sustainable Agriculture, Lintilhac Foundation, Permaculture Action Network, and UVM Plant Soil Science Department, we have the opportunity to grow from our 4 year proof-of concept project by tripling our trials, using endemic mycorrhizae grown from the forest on the farm (using our SARE guide), and with 98% Abenaki relevant plants, working with Abenaki grandmothers, VTYouth Build, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Permatours, Mycolab members & community members. ​

Resources

Read

Pilot research project webpage:
​Mycoremediation of Phosphorus in Agricultural Runoff Harnessing Mycorrhizal-Plant Associations

rEAD

Peer reviewed published data from 4 years of the pilot study:
Restoring a Degraded Riparian Forested Buffer While Balancing Phosphorus Remediation, Biodiversity, and Indigenous Land Access

Upcoming Educational Offerings

lEARN mORE

Photos of the Community Process late winter->late summer 2024