Healing Wildfire Scars with Fungi and Plant Power

Wildfires don’t just leave behind scorched land—they pollute the soil and water with toxins and chemicals that threaten ecosystems and human health. Our initiative uses the incredible abilities of fungi and native plants to restore these damaged areas. By deploying mycelium spawn, spent mushroom blocks and native plants like buckwheat, we can break down harmful substances, filter contaminants, and rebuild soil health so that life can thrive again.

To make this happen safely, we need your help with funding this research and implementation.

Revised Research and Remediation Costs

1. Permits and Compliance

Scientific Collecting Permit (CDFW): $400–$1,000

Hazardous Waste Generator Permit (DTSC): $1,000–$3,000

CEQA Exemption Filing (County Planning Department): $300–$1,500

Stormwater/Erosion Control Permit (RWQCB): $500–$2,000

Liability Waivers and Legal Compliance: $500

TOTAL: $2,700–$8,000

2. Soil and Contaminant Testing

Baseline Soil Analysis (per site): $5,000–$10,000

Heavy Metals (ICP-MS): $2,500–$4,000

Hydrocarbons and Organics (GC-MS): $2,500–$6,000

Post-Remediation Testing (per site): $5,000–$10,000

TOTAL (3 Sites): $30,000–$60,000

3. Fungal Cultivation and Deployment Materials

Cultivation Supplies (burlap, liquid culture sprayers, substrate): $1,500–$3,500

Wattle Materials (for erosion control): $1,000–$2,000

TOTAL: $2,500–$5,500

4. Native Plant Propagation

Native Plants (e.g., California Sagebrush, Buckwheat): $2,500–$5,000

Soil Amendments and Irrigation Supplies: $1,000–$2,000

TOTAL: $3,500–$7,000

5. Safety Equipment and Training

HAZWOPER Certification (40-hour for leads, 24-hour for volunteers):

Project Leads (5 people): $1,500/person = $7,500

Volunteers (20 people): $500/person = $10,000

PPE (N95 masks, gloves, goggles, Tychem suits): $1,000

TOTAL: $18,500

6. Administration and Logistics

Transportation and Field Supplies: $2,000–$4,000

General Administrative Costs: $1,500

TOTAL: $3,500–$5,500

Estimated Total Costs

Minimum: $60,700

Maximum: $104,000

This research is vital for urban communities where people are rebuilding homes, schools, and businesses on potentially toxic land. It’s a chance to not only heal the environment but to ensure the health and safety of future generations.

We Need Your Help! To make this initiative a reality, we’re asking for your support. Every contribution will go directly toward:

-Soil Testing and Analysis to identify and target harmful toxins.

-Permits and Compliance to ensure safe and legal operations.

-Native Plant Propagation and Fungal Deployment Materials to begin remediation efforts.

-Safety Training and Equipment for volunteers and researchers working on-site.