Welcome to Mycology at Universal Food Forests!
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with our expertly designed Mycology Courses. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, our courses will deepen your understanding of mushrooms, their ecosystems, and their uses.
Why Choose Us?
At Universal Food Forests, we combine passion with expertise. Here’s what makes our mycology program unique:
- Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced mycologists dedicated to sharing their knowledge.
- Hands-On Learning: Apply theory with practical sessions to cultivate mushrooms and explore fungal ecosystems.
Community: Join a network of like-minded individuals passionate about sustainable living and permaculture.
Why Study Mycology?
Mycology is the study of fungi, a kingdom of life that plays a vital role in ecosystems around the globe. From soil health to sustainable agriculture, fungi are integral to building resilient food systems. Learn how to:
- Identify different species of fungi.
- Cultivate edible and medicinal mushrooms.
- Explore the role of fungi in permaculture and forest ecosystems.
Discover Mycology 101
Take an immersive journey into the captivating world of fungi with our intensive one month course. Over the course of eight interacting Zoom sessions, you’ll uncover the fundamental principles of mycology and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse roles fungi play in our world.
Week 1
The Basics of Mycology
Introduction to the fungal kingdom: What are fungi, and why are they important?
Week 2
Fungal Identification
How to identify common fungi in the wild.
Key features: Gills, caps, stems, and spore prints.
Week 3
The Fungi-Plant Connection
Benefits of fungi in permaculture and sustainable agriculture.
Week 4
Ethical Foraging and Basic Cultivation
Introduction to mushroom cultivation: Tools, substrates, and species
Ace Mycology 201
Embark on an in depth exploration of advanced topics in mycology with our comprehensive two month course. Through sixteen engaging Zoom sessions, participants will delve into the intricate world of fungi, from their diverse morphologies to their multifaceted ecological roles and practical applications in various fields.
Week 1
Setting Up for Success
Introduction to mushroom cultivation.
Overview of equipment and supplies: Sterilizers, grow bags, and inoculation tools.
Week 2
Preparing Your Substrate
Hands-on preparation: Pasteurization and sterilization techniques.
Common mistakes and how to avoid contamination.
Week 3
Inoculation and Incubation
Inoculating your substrate with mycelium.
Monitoring and maintaining optimal conditions.
Week 4
Fruiting and Harvesting
Triggering fruiting: Environmental adjustments for pinning.
Caring for your growing mushrooms.
Week 5
Troubleshooting
Common issues in cultivation and how to resolve them.
Case studies: Examples of successful small-scale mushroom farms.
Week 6
Scaling Up
Advanced techniques for scaling your mushroom cultivation.
Introduction to commercial cultivation and marketing strategies.
Master Mycology 301
Dive into the forefront of mycological research and innovation with our intensive three month course. Over the course of 24 Zoom sessions, participants will explore advanced topics in fungal biology, ecology, and biotechnology, gaining insight into cutting edge research and practical applications of fungal science.
Week 1
Advanced Fungal Biology
Deep dive into fungal genetics and life cycles.
The role of fungi in global ecosystems.
Week 2
Bioremediation and Soil Health
Using fungi to clean up contaminated soil and water.
Week 3
Mushroom Breeding and Genetics
Techniques for breeding new mushroom strains.
Week 4
Medicinal Mushrooms
Exploring the health benefits of popular medicinal fungi.
Week 5
Fungi in Industry
Industrial applications of fungi: Textiles, packaging, and construction.
Week 6
Large-Scale Cultivation
Setting up and managing a commercial mushroom farm.
Week 7
Fungi and Climate Change
Fungi’s role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem resilience.
Week 8
Capstone Project
Create a detailed plan for applying advanced mycology techniques in a real-world scenario