Mushrooming businesses

JERRY McBRIDE/Herald

Katie Holgate, owner of Mycologic Design of Durango, spreads oyster mushroom mycelium spawn on top of wood chips to create a mushroom patch in her backyard. Eventually, Holgate plans to develop a mushroom-based system to clean water for irrigation. Currently, the firm is teaming with Jenny Craig, owner of Durango Compost, bring mushrooms to local gardens.

Mushrooms are doing more these days than just sitting on local grocers’ shelves and flavoring sauces.They’re eliminating waste from local landfills, driving collaboration in Durango’s small-business community, becoming part of residents’ health regimens and playing a role in sustainable gardening and landscaping.

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