“All mushrooms are edible – at least once,” quips environmental scientist and mushroom expert Mike Essam, president of the Pikes Peak Mycological Society. Mike shared the wonders of fungi in this very popular talk at the March 22 luncheon of the Pikes Peak Environmental Forum. The photographs Mike showed are a key part of the presentation, so it’s recommended you view the slides (see the links below) while listening.
The mushroom is just the fruit of the mycelium fungus. Most of it is in the soil or in a log or tree. Did you know there can be as much as six miles of mycelium filaments in a cubic inch of soil? There are mushrooms that are poisonous, mushrooms with medicinal properties, mushrooms that are very tasty, and some are, well, “magic.” Mike explains how they are identified.
The Pikes Peak Environmental Forum informs the community in Colorado Springs on issues of environmental import. Our monthly luncheon meeting topics have ranged from how earthquakes can predict weather events to sustainable energy solutions. Each month we learn something we weren’t necessarily aware we needed to know, but in broadening our knowledge, we deepen our understanding of, and our connection to, the world. Learn about future luncheons at our Facebook page, or contact us to be put on the email list for meeting notifications.
PPEF presenting sponsors are Becky Elder the Gardener and Peak Radar.
LINKS:
Join Pikes Peak Mycological Society. It’s inexpensive and you get hands-on help!
The Fungal Pharmacy by Robert Rogers
Radical Mycology by Peter McCoy
Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter
Edible Mushroom Hunt class at The Survival University
SPONSORS:
Becky Elder, The Gardener, LLC
Environmental Compliance Systems
UPCOMING ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS:
Thursday, April 18
Utilities Energy Vision Open House
Leon Young Service Center
6 to 8 pm
Learn more and share your feedback.
Energy Vision info
Online Survey
Saturday, April 20
Earth Day Celebration at Garden of the Gods
9 am to 3 pm
Thursday, April 25
Green Drinks – at Who Gives a Scrap
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Green Drinks encourages people to Communicate, Collaborate, Celebrate all things sustainable in the Pikes Peak region! The theme for April’s Green Drinks is reuse.
Who Gives a SCRAP is a donation based scrap store that carries an impressive mix of arts and craft and hobbies supplies in addition to unique vintage finds. Bring $5 in cash or check to pay it forward for the next Green Drinks or donate online here.
Friday, April 26
Mile High Youth Corps
Providing lifetime skills for youth in the arenas of energy conservation and trail building
Pikes Peak Environmental Forum
Noon to 2 pm, Margarita at Pine Creek (Please RSVP)
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
Pikes Peak Environmental Forum
Pikes Peak Library District Green Team
Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Subscribe (free) on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episode:
