Regenerate Upstate: October Recap

Logs to Life: Growing Mushrooms for the Mind, Body, and Soil

The inspiration for our recent mushroom log inoculation event on Oct. 5 at the Hunnicutt Food Forest came after several club members watched Fantastic Fungi on Netflix (big shoutout to Paul Stamets!). This beautiful documentary sparked a passion for the powerful potential of fungi, leading us down a fascinating path of exploring the medicinal, edible, and soil-restorative qualities that mushrooms bring to the table.

Some of us had also taken Dr. Julia Kerrigan’s renowned course, "Fungi and Civilization," which only deepened our love and curiosity for these incredible organisms. Through both hands-on and academic experiences, we've come to understand just how much fungi can offer. From Lion’s Mane, which supports neuroplasticity and can improve cognition and mental clarity in those suffering from Dementia as well as healthy individuals, to immune-boosting wonders like Reishi and Chicken of the Woods, fungi are potent allies in health. Their abilities to modulate our immune systems make them nature’s own vaccine, strengthening our defenses in a gentle, broad-spectrum way.

But perhaps the most exciting part? Fungi’s ability to heal soil and, by extension, help nourish everything that grows from it. Healthy soil supports healthy plants, which means better food, and ultimately, healthier people. The fungi in soil act as a go-between, helping plants and microbes exchange essential nutrients. They envelop plant roots, forming a network that sustains both plant and microbe life—boosting the vitality of the entire ecosystem.

So, when Hurricane Helene left behind a swath of fallen logs and branches, we saw an opportunity to transform that natural disaster into something positive. With the help of Aaron Granados, a local permaculture enthusiast and budding certified permaculture designer, we gathered a trailer full of logs that people were looking to clear away. Those logs would become the foundation of our new mushroom cultivation project at the Hunnicutt Food Forest.

Our gratitude goes out to Dr. Julia Kerrigan, who not only guided us through the inoculation process with incredible patience and expertise, but also provided us with the fungi to make it happen. As President of the South Carolina Upstate Mycological Society (or SCUMS for short), Dr. Kerrigan brings a wealth of knowledge to our community and helped us turn this idea into a reality. She taught us the ins and outs of inoculating logs with various mushroom species, including Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, and several Oyster varieties. By the end of the day, we’d inoculated over 25 logs of all shapes and sizes, setting them up at the Hunnicutt Food Forest where, with any luck, they’ll begin fruiting within a year and continue for up to eight years.

Our club is excited about the prospect of sharing the fruits of our labor with the Clemson community. These mushrooms will enhance our club meetings, support our study sessions, and, ultimately, bring the regenerative power of fungi to our broader community. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this day such a success!

Hens on the Move: A Lesson in Regenerative Ag with the Farm Girl Trio

Our partnership with Farm Girl Deliveries began at the Issaqueena Lake event, where Concetta Kome extended an open invitation to anyone interested in regenerative agriculture to come lend a hand on their farm. Paige Farral, our Co-President of Students for Stewardship, eagerly took up the offer and has been working alongside Concetta and her daughters ever since. Paige’s dedication and love for the land led her to organize this incredible October 20th volunteer day, giving us a firsthand look at sustainable farming in action.

Our club members had the chance to step into the world of regenerative agriculture at Farm Girl Deliveries, where we joined Concetta and her twin daughters, Rosa and Lillian, in a full day of learning and hands-on work. This amazing trio—Concetta, Rosa, and Lillian—has created a regenerative oasis close to Clemson, where they grow an abundance of vegetables, flowers, and eggs with minimal outside inputs. Rosa and Lillian, both Clemson graduates, have channeled their love of the environment into Farm Girl Deliveries, with Rosa holding a degree in Environmental and Natural Resources and Lillian in Biosystems Engineering.

For anyone looking to get a taste of their hard work, Farm Girl Deliveries operates a highly sought-after CSA membership with a waitlist —Community Supported Agriculture is a great model to support Local Food— However, you can still find their produce, flowers, and handmade seasonal wreaths at Green Awakening in Pendleton, or at the Clemson and Travelers Rest farmers markets. Their booth is a beacon of smiling faces, beautiful bouquets, and farm-fresh produce!

Our day began with a warm welcome from the Farm Girls and their loyal farm dog, Arlo. They greeted us with refreshing lemonade and sweet tea as we gathered to go over the day’s plan. Concetta shared the purpose behind our volunteer work and the larger vision they have for their farm. We learned how they transform “waste” into a resource, collecting woodchips from local arborists and leaves to make a nutrient-dense compost. The chickens play a vital role in this process, scratching, foraging, and adding their own nutrient-rich contributions to turn layers of leaf litter into fertile soil.

The task at hand was to move the chickens from their current enclosure, where they had spent months helping to break down about four feet of leaves and debris, creating a rich, compost-ready soil. This nitrogen and carbon mix, courtesy of the chickens and the leaf litter, was about to be harvested and used as a powerful base for the farm’s garden beds. After moving the chickens, the Farm Girls planned to cover crop the area to keep the soil building cycle going.

We carefully moved the chickens to a new enclosure that had been overgrown with weeds—a fresh space for them to enjoy. This new area was teeming with bugs and plants, providing natural forage for the chickens. We also relocated their mobile coops, a task that showcased the beauty of regenerative practices in action. By rotating the chickens, the Farm Girls allow the land to heal and grow richer while keeping the birds in a constant supply of bugs and fresh greenery.

Throughout the day, Concetta, Rosa, and Lillian shared their wealth of knowledge on regenerative farming. They explained how, by nurturing soil health and natural cycles, they’ve created a farm that’s resilient to drought and needs almost no outside inputs—a feat made even more impressive considering they started with hard clay soil. In their words, they see themselves as “farmers of the soil and the wasps,” understanding that it’s the “little things”—the insects, microbes, and natural cycles—that build true abundance. By cultivating these elements, they’ve managed to create a system that works in harmony with nature, producing food that not only nourishes people but also supports the land and its ecosystems.

It was a privilege to witness and participate in this symbiotic approach to farming, where every element of the system—from chickens to compost to cover crops—plays a role in creating a sustainable whole. For those curious to learn more, visit Farm Girl Deliveries online. This hidden gem in Upstate South Carolina is truly a leader in regenerative agriculture, and the work of Concetta, Rosa, and Lillian is a testament to what thoughtful, sustainable stewardship can accomplish.

Community Highlight: Tiger Valley Market – "Connecting Farmers with Foodies"

Located at 703 W Main Street Central SC 29630

This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Tiger Valley Market, a local gem that’s making waves in the Clemson area. With a motto like “connecting Farmers with Foodies,” Tiger Valley Market perfectly aligns with our values at Students for Stewardship. If there’s one thing we love, it’s good food—and Tiger Valley Market has some of the best around. Their produce isn’t just celebrated by us, but also by some of the finest restaurants in the area. The Blue Heron in Pendleton sources all its tomatoes from Tiger Valley, and The Mexican in Central regularly relies on them for fresh, local ingredients.

Located in Central, this market is more than worth a visit for anyone interested in learning about locally sourced food. The Gilstrap family, who run Tiger Valley, have been farming in Pickens County, SC, for over 50 years. Tim Gilstrap grew up helping his grandparents and later his parents on the farm, working with greenhouse technology to extend their growing season. In 2019, he inherited the family farm and, with the help of his wife and family, began to breathe new life into it. Today, they offer high-quality fruits and vegetables, fresh from the field in spring and summer, and greenhouse-grown in fall and winter.

The Gilstraps’ commitment to fresh, local food has made them a staple in the upstate food scene. Not only do they grow their own produce, but they also travel weekly to handpick the best seasonal offerings from across the Carolinas (sourced through the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s retail network). We can personally vouch for the quality of everything Tiger Valley sells—it’s the real deal! Next time you’re driving into Central, keep an eye out for Tiger Valley Market. They’re leading the way in making organic, local food accessible to everyone in the upstate, and we’re incredibly grateful for their work.

Tiger Valley isn’t just about produce—they also support other local artisans by carrying an impressive array of handmade products. From sourdough bread to tallow-based chapstick, natural cleaning supplies, and more, their shelves are stocked with goods made by locals using Carolina-grown materials. Everything they carry is chosen with health and sustainability in mind, avoiding harmful chemicals and unnecessary additives.

At Students for Stewardship, we believe in the power of local connections and sustainable food systems. We’re excited to build relationships with producers like the Gilstrap family, fostering a community centered around healthy soil, healthy food, and healthy people. We’re grateful to be part of an upstate community as rich in resources and dedication as South Carolina, where families like the Gilstraps are already paving the way for a healthier, more connected future.

Here’s an invitation section for the next stewardship day at Hunnicutt Food Forest:

Join Us for Stewardship Days at Hunnicutt Food Forest!

We’re excited to invite everyone to our upcoming stewardship days at the Hunnicutt Food Forest! These events are all about preparing the site for winter, with community-driven activities that will help nurture a healthy, vibrant ecosystem. Mark your calendars for November 10th and 17th to join us for a day of cover crop planting, trash clean-up, and more.

On the agenda for the day:

• Trash Clean-Up: Let’s give the food forest a fresh look! We’ll spend part of the day cleaning up litter and ensuring that the area is safe and beautiful for everyone who visits.

• Cover Crop Planting: We’ll be planting a mix of crimson clover, winter peas, and a variety of hardy greens to enrich the soil over winter. These cover crops have been carefully selected to boost soil fertility, structure, and microbial health for the spring ahead.

• Comfrey Planting: Known for its deep roots and nutrient-dense leaves, comfrey is a powerhouse for soil health. We’ll be adding new comfrey plants to improve the forest floor and provide a natural source of compost.

In addition to our hands-on work, we want to hear from you! We’re eager to learn about your vision for the Hunnicutt Food Forest, especially as Arbor Day approaches. If you have ideas for tree planting or species recommendations that align with our goals for biodiversity and community health, bring them along. We value your input and would love to collaborate on future plans.

Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or new to stewardship, this is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on the land and connect with others in the community. Come out, get your hands dirty, and help us cultivate a space that will thrive for years to come.

We look forward to seeing you there on November 10th and 17th!

• Location: Hunnicutt Food Forest

• Time: 2:30 pm - finish

• What to Bring: Work gloves, water bottle, and any ideas or suggestions for tree planting and biodiversity.

Let’s work together to prepare this beautiful space for winter and beyond!