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ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION:
MYCOLOGY INITIATIVE
 Save Waterways. Restore Ecosystems.Â
Nature has spent years developing some of the world's most effective recycling systems.
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One of the most powerful is Mycelium, the underground network of fungi that helps forests recycle nutrients, support plant life, and naturally break down many forms of organic material.
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Researchers around the world are now studying how these same biological systems may help address modern environmental challenges.
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The Steward Mycology Initiative exists to help move that research beyond the laboratory and into real world environmental restoration projects.
 Our MissionÂ
We support scientific research, education, and practical implementation of mycology based environmental restoration.
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Our work focuses on advancing projects that may help:
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Improve water quality
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Restore polluted or damaged ecosystems
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Improve soil health
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Support biodiversity
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Expand public understanding of fungi and environmental science
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 Why Fungi?Â
Fungi produce specialized enzymes capable of breaking down many complex compounds that are difficult for other organisms to process.
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Depending on the fungal species and environmental conditions, researchers have demonstrated that fungi may help:
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Break down petroleum hydrocarbons
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Degrade certain pesticides
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Transform some industrial contaminants
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Immobilize or accumulate certain heavy metals
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Improve soil health
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Filter contaminants from water moving through natural systems
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The exact results depend on the contaminant, fungal species, site conditions, and project design. Mycoremediation is an active area of scientific research rather than a universal solution. SOURCE
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 Turning Research into Action!Â
The Steward Institute is working to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical environmental restoration.
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In our laboratory, we cultivate selected fungal mycelium under controlled conditions as part of our ongoing research and restoration efforts. As these projects develop, the mycelium is prepared for use in environmental applications where researchers are studying how fungi can support healthier soils, improve water quality, and aid ecosystem restoration.
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Our goal is to responsibly translate promising scientific research into carefully planned, real world projects while continuing to learn from researchers, conservation partners, and the growing body of scientific literature.
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Every sweepstakes entry helps support this work.
Inside the Steward Institute Laboratory
Research
 From Lab to LabÂ
Every restoration project begins with research. We cultivate mycelium in our laboratory, evaluate promising methods, test them in real-world conditions, monitor the results, and share what we learn to help advance the field of environmental restoration.
Lab Cultivation
Field Testing
Environmental Restoration
Monitoring & Data Collection
Education & Open Learning
 What Your Support Makes PossibleÂ
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Laboratory research and equipment
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Mycelium cultivation supplies
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Environmental monitoring
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Pilot restoration projects
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Scientific partnerships
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Educational outreach
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Open sharing of research findings
​Every eligible sweepstakes entry helps move another restoration project forward.
 Looking AheadÂ
We believe environmental restoration should be proactive rather than reactive.
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Our long term goal is to develop practical, science based restoration methods that communities can use to improve waterways, rebuild ecosystems, and strengthen environmental resilience.
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While fungi are only one piece of a much larger ecological system, we believe they represent one of nature's most promising tools for restoring damaged environments.
 Scientific FoundationÂ
The Steward Institute's environmental restoration work is informed by peer reviewed scientific research in mycology, bioremediation, and environmental science. We are committed to translating promising scientific discoveries into responsible, real world environmental restoration projects while continuing to learn from the broader scientific community.
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References
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Roy, A., Gogoi, N., Haider, F. U., & Farooq, M. (2025). Mycoremediation for sustainable remediation of environmental pollutants. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 64, Article 103526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcab.2025.103526
Allen with Paul Stamets,
one of the world's leading Mycologist
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