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| ALEXA CALOS DISCOVERING NATURAL ALLIES water color, gouache, graphite, ink, white charcoal, on paper, Mushrooms and the mycelial network from which they fruit are the "great recyclers" of the forest. They are constantly transforming, digesting even, some of the toughest substances like wood and rocks, thereby creating rich soil. They can also break down harmful toxins like crude oil spilled into the environment and then transform that oil into food for their own growth. It turns out mushrooms, toadstools, fungi, whichever you choose to call them, can help us undo some of the damage we humans have done to our eco-systems. Paul Stamets, a pioneer in fungus research and development has even discovered a way to use the mycelia of certain fungal species to control populations of destructive insects like termites, carpenter ants, mosquitos, and locusts; read, non-petroleum based pesticides. Certain fungus planted as companions in the home garden (and used in reforestation) can increase the vigor, and yield of the other plants. Equally as important, filters of wood chips and straw infused with mushroom mycelium can keep harmful bacteria, emanating from livestock feedlots, out of our waterways and bays and therefore out of our food and water supply.* These are amazing organisms... learn more and spread the word. |
| All images on this website are copyrighted. For further information please contact the artist at: andreesthompson@gmail.com |
