Expanding Sustainable Mushroom Cultivation

The Expanding Sustainable Mushroom Cultivation project will explore how multiple invasive species in Arizona including buffelgrass, fountain grass, and stinknet fare as substrate for mushroom cultivation. This project builds on the previously funded Sustainable Mushroom Cultivation on Buffelgrass project, which was completed in 2025. These initiatives are led by MycoCats , a student-led organization at the University of Arizona dedicated to fostering-on experience in mycology through mushroom cultivation and education. This year, the MycoCats are looking to expand upon their research of buffelgrass as mushroom substrate to see how well other invasive species could be repurposed to provide food. To obtain the invasive species, members will collaborate with the Sonoran Desert Weedwackers at volunteer pullings. All edible mushrooms produced will be donated to the Campus Pantry.