Grounded Symbiosis: Soil, Plants, Fungi

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This course explores the symbiotic relationships between soil organisms, plants, and fungi, and was developed through a similar cooperation of subject matter experts. We will cover the basics of soil, fungi, and plant sciences and how all three are inextricably intertwined. All three must be understood and supported to employ the practical methods that can be used to reap the benefits of each in our natural and agroecosystems.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will explore the robust interactions between three key foundations of life. Many courses in biology and ecology stem from an anthropocentric approach to studying  populations of animals – they are the most relatable kingdom to us, and are often used as case studies to understand ecological concepts. However, there is a whole world of life that is the foundation of the ecosystem that is often overlooked, either because it is misunderstood or microscopic. 

This course explores the symbiotic relationships between soil organisms, plants, and fungi, and was developed through a similar cooperation of subject matter experts.  We will cover the basics of soil, fungi, and plant sciences and how all three are inextricably intertwined. All three must be understood and supported to employ the practical methods that can be used to reap the benefits of each in our natural and agroecosystems.

 

This course provides an opportunity for learners to:

  • Define symbiosis and provide examples.
  • Recognize the importance of soil health.
  • Describe how soil is formed.
  • Apply practical methods for building healthy soils.
  • Explain basic plant biology.
  • Summarize how plants use soil to get nutrients.
  • Apply practical plant cultivation and identification techniques.
  • Connect fungal biology to plant and soil health.
  • Use practical fungal cultivation and foraging methods.
  • Summarize real examples of fungal, soil and plant interactions. 

 

This course was created through and is part of :

COURSE-AT-A-GLANCE

The topical overview of the course below provides an early taste of what you can expect as you embark on this learning journey. Toggle the “Lessons” tab above for detailed descriptions of each.

  • Module 1 – Meeting the Players
  • Module 2 – What is Symbiosis?
  • Module 3 – Soil Biodiversity
  • Module 4 – Fundamentals of Plant Biology
  • Module 5 – Fungal Biology and Ecology

AUDIENCE

This course is suited for:

  • Those looking to support their gardening practice
  • Those looking to support sustainable ecosystem management and regeneration
  • Those interested in cultivating plants and fungi
  • Those interested in improving soil health for nutrition of themselves, their families, their community, or their pasture
  • Those concerned about the implication of soil degradation on social systems, health, agricultural and natural ecosystems
  • Those interested in learning more about their own social connections through study of the natural world

COURSE DEVELOPERS

Each section of this course was developed by experts in each of the three disciplines, as well as with general ecological knowledge to weave the pieces together.

The soil section was developed by MaryEllen Pitts. Food, nature and people have always been MaryEllen’s passions, and her sustainable food systems work seeks to promote the flourishing of all three. Co-founding a community garden over ten years ago opened her to synergies in natural systems and ways humans could cooperate with them. Recently starting a small urban farm in Indianapolis with her husband provides endless opportunities to support an ecological system where organisms collaborate. MaryEllen believes that humans can join that elegant dance to create a just, thriving food system. She recently completed a Masters in Sustainable Food Systems at Prescott College.     Julien Blundell helped put together the fungi module, drawing on great aid from Coral Guerrero, a graduate from Sterling College with a degree in ecology, Peter McCoy, and Merlin Sheldrake. He is a writer, forager, and amateur mycophile currently wandering the mountains and foothills of the Front Range in Colorado. He received his BA in Writing and Literature from Naropa University, and a masters at CU Boulder in Sustainable Food Systems, and since has been working to bring the idea of commons management to the ways that cities and communities prepare for wildfire. The largest mushroom he’s ever found was a 5lb giant puffball, which was uniquely delicious.  Aleen Vartivarian is an American-Armenian botanist who developed the section on plant biology. She graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Plant Sciences and has since worked with a variety of specialists ranging from beekeepers to plant conservationists. Whether it be her time at the University of California, Davis Student Farm or The Huntington Botanical Gardens, Aleen is always searching for the next opportunity to help further our efforts in sustainability and preservation. She believes the vast information regarding plants and their ecosystems should be available to all of us who live amongst them. Aleen aspires to continue her research in seed conservation while also sharing everything she has learned and will continue to learn. Finally, Nissa Coit helped connect each disparate piece, as well as frame each in the broader ecological context. Nissa is a life-long student of the natural world. She holds a Bachelor's degree in biology from The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and a Master's degree in Entomology from the University of California, Davis. She has served as adjunct faculty at Sterling College in entomology, ecology, and biology. Nissa currently works as a Learning Network Associate for EcoGather, where she supports the instructional design of courses on a broad range of topics. In addition to this course, she has served as a content contributor for Ecological Pest Management, Ecology Essentials for Everyone, Appropriate Technologies for Human Scale Farms, and The Art and Science of Apiculture.

DISCLAIMER: Course descriptions on this webpage are for informational purposes only. Content may be updated or changed as planning evolves. EcoGather reserves the right to alter the program specifics, including details about course content, instructors, collaborations, field trips, facilities and pricing, at any time without notice. 

Course Content

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