Introducing the Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER): A New Era of Ecological Remediation
Los Angeles is facing an environmental crisis. From industrial contamination to post-wildfire pollution, the need for effective, sustainable remediation has never been greater. Enter the Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER), an organization dedicated to advancing nature-based solutions for soil and water contamination. Officially launched today, CAER builds upon 13 years of cutting-edge research by Dr. Danielle Stevenson, PhD, a leader in environmental toxicology and bioremediation. CAER brings field-tested, cost-effective ecological remediation strategies to polluted sites across Southern California and beyond, offering an alternative to traditional, high-cost cleanup methods. With ecological remediation, polluted land is healed in place, rather than having contaminated soil hauled away and dumped elsewhere.
The Science Behind Ecological Remediation
Dr. Stevenson’s research focuses on harnessing the power of nature to remove metal contaminants from the environment and degrade organic contaminants. Her large-scale studies in Los Angeles (2022-2023) demonstrated that native fungi-plant combinations can successfully treat soil pollutants. Over just 12 months, these methods reduced heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic, and hexavalent chromium) by 50%, while nearly eliminating organic contaminants like gasoline, diesel, and solvents.
Now, CAER is tackling one of LA’s biggest post-disaster challenges: wildfire contamination. The recent megafires have left behind an environmental catastrophe—16,200 buildings burned, 4.5 million tons of hazardous debris, and an estimated 18-month cleanup process ahead. Harmful toxins such as asbestos, lead, benzene, and formaldehyde are now embedded in soil and water, creating serious health risks.
Why Ecological Remediation Matters
Traditional remediation methods often rely on “dig-and-dump” practices—trucking contaminated soil away to landfills (usually out of state). However, these methods:
Are expensive, costing up to 90% more than ecological remediation.
Don’t truly solve the problem, merely relocating toxins to another location.
Generate carbon emissions, worsening climate change through excessive transportation and disposal.
Dr. Stevenson explains: “The current approach—hauling contaminated soil away on trucks—just shifts the problem somewhere else. These methods are expensive, ineffective for the scale of this crisis, and in some cases, don’t even work. We need field-tested, nature-based solutions that actually restore the land while eliminating toxins.”
Unlike one-size-fits-all cleanup techniques, ecological remediation is a strategic, science-backed approach that integrates native fungi, plants, and soil amendments to break down and remove pollutants in place. By working with natural processes, this method restores soil health, supports biodiversity, and creates long-term resilience against future contamination.
A Collaborative Approach to Environmental Healing
CAER is committed to working with government agencies, tribal communities, nonprofit organizations, universities, and private landowners to implement practical, science-driven remediation solutions. This mission extends beyond cleanup—it’s about education, workforce training, and community involvement.
Sebastien Harrison, Environmental Engineer with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Center for Creative Land Recycling, highlights the significance of this approach:
“Many people don’t realize that traditional environmental cleanups often generate large amounts of waste and CO2 emissions. Nature-based solutions like mycoremediation can transform or eliminate harmful contamination on-site rather than just relocating the problem.”
CAER also recognizes the urgency of training a new generation of ecological stewards. Post-fire contamination has worsened LA’s soil crisis, increasing the demand for skilled professionals in soil science and remediation. Through hands-on training, CAER equips individuals with expertise in soil sampling, bioremediation, and site restoration—helping communities take action.
Join the Movement: SoCal Post-Fire Bioremediation Coalition
To foster regional collaboration, CAER has launched the LA Post-Fire Bioremediation Coalition—a network dedicated to advancing bioremediation research and application in Southern California.
Upcoming Event: On February 26, CAER will host a webinar featuring top bioremediation experts, who will share best practices, present new research, and answer questions about post-fire remediation. RSVP for the webinar here.
About CAER
The Center for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER) is dedicated to researching and implementing ecological remediation strategies to address pollution, promote public health, and build climate resilience. CAER collaborates with community organizations, regulatory agencies, and academic institutions to promote environmental justice and innovative remediation practices.
About Dr. Danielle Stevenson
Dr. Danielle Stevenson is an environmental scientist, mycologist, and educator specializing in mycoremediation and sustainable land restoration. With a PhD in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Riverside, her groundbreaking research has shaped new strategies for eco-remediation of brownfields and contaminated urban land. She is also the founder of D.I.Y. Fungi (2012) and Healing City Soils (2015), initiatives that have provided communities with soil testing and bioremediation resources. Dr. Stevenson serves on California’s DTSC Treatment Technology Council and the Board of Corenewal, contributing to global land and water regeneration efforts. Learn more about Dr. Stevenson at: https://www.danielle-stevenson.com.
CAER is leading the way toward a cleaner, healthier future for Los Angeles and beyond. If you’re interested in getting involved, supporting bioremediation research, or learning more about ecological remediation, reach out today. Together, we can restore our land—one site at a time.
For further information and press inquiries, please contact Jesse Damiani.
Contact Information
Jesse Damiani
Email: info@centreforecoremediation.com
(213) 592-8782