Mycorestoration
When mycology meets restoration
Abstract
The literary research, mycological assessment and restoration of Swan Lake/ Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary (SLCHNS) were conducted for over a year, starting from May 2013 in Saanich, British Columbia. Swan Lake and the surrounding riparian and terrestrial ecosystem include 48 ha of streams, urban forest, woody shrubs and grassland. The watershed northeast of Swan Lake drains from the lake into the Colquitz River on its journey south to merge with the Pacific Ocean at the Victoria Harbour. Swan Lake is an urban hotspot for biodiversity, providing habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. The urban area surrounding Swan Lake is largely impervious, resulting in increased levels of sediments, nutrients, and toxic chemicals. This study intended to transform soil and water contaminants at SLCHNS with the help of strategically placed saprophytic fungi. Saprophytes are on nature’s clean-‐up crew, connecting life and death by playing a significant role in digesting plant matter and other hydrocarbon bonds, similar in structure. This project required eleven mycofilters, which were developed by inoculating Alnus rubra substrate with Pleurotus ostreatus in sterilized burlap sacks. Two trial sites (one aquatic and one terrestrial) were determined following a comprehensive site assessment that identified the areas with the greatest need for mycological restoration. The results of this study reveal a myriad of reasons that may impact the fungi’s ability to establish themselves in the field. Issues can arise due to bad timing or moisture, contaminated substrate or inoculum, and competition with bacteria or other established fungi. Although the Pleurotus ostreatus species is vigorous and adaptive, a new strategy could consist of spawn generated by fruiting bodies collected on-site, which would be more robust and locally adapted. This initial exploration of mycological restoration at SLCHNS will provide essential insights and guidance for future projects within this field.
