Caring for our mushroom log and why they are good for the environment

We looked at our mushroom log and discussed the vast fungal network in the earth, and why they are good for the environment. This included the 3 types of mushrooms- Mycorrhiza (beneficial to plants, like chanterelles and truffles), Saprophytic/decomposers (break down organic matter, like shiitake and portobella), and Parasitic (like the honey mushroom). We discovered that our oyster mushroom is a decomposer that has a huge appetite and will eat anything from bacteria and bugs to paper, mercury and other heavy metals, and petroleum products!  In fact, the oyster mushroom has been used for cleaning up soil contaminants.  In addition, the oyster mushroom has both medicinal and delicious culinary uses!