Fungi Along the Forest Trails

Fungi and Cones

This week we’ll look at more images from my trip to the Poconos, but for today I wanted to share this image of some fungi growing in the brush pile at the farm.

I'm afraid that for now, I'm clueless when it comes to fungus identification (and I can't find my book). Identification suggestions are always welcome!

We’ve had some excellent submissions for the Festival of the Trees come in so far. There’s still plenty of time to add yours! Just post something at your blog about trees and/or forests, and get me the link by November 29th.

Check out the Festival of the Trees coordinating blog for more information, and have fun!

Playing in the Pocono Forests

In the Poconos, the trees are at a wonderful point where anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 (or more) of the trees in a given area are turning their leaves. Fiery reds, pinks, oranges, and golds are contrasted against rich greens and browns.

It was the ultimate in eye candy, and while my camera couldn’t possibly do our travels justice, these are just some of the beautiful things we saw in the forest. We visited the Delaware State Forest, Gouldsboro State Park, and Promised Land State Park, where most of these pictures were taken.

If anyone knows the identity of the plant in the eighth picture, please tell us! It looks so familiar, but I'm not quite sure what it is. Perhaps some type of fern?

Tomorrow: the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area

More fun with fungi

While crawling through the trees today, I found this beautiful fungus family growing on a tree branch. I just had to share its delicate frills with you! Isn't it amazing the way it has wraped itself in layers around the branch?

Coming up this week: more flowers, fresh buds, and trees of course.

Fungus for Ducklover

As requested, here is one of the first shelf fungus I could find around the farm to share with you, along with some other pretty orange fungus. These are dedicated to Ducklover.

I wish I could tell you more about who they are or what they like, but all I can tell you for certain is that like many other beautiful fungus, these are happily growing on a pile of old, rotting firewood in the brush.

I’ll be certain to keep my eyes open for more fungus as I explore the area. At home in Seabeck, Washington, Spring and Autumn were some of the greatest seasons to find new fungus of all colors. Perhaps the same is true around Pennsylvania?

Next up: more springtime wonders! C'est magnifique!

As above, so below

These images were taken on a trail to the Pohopoco Cove (or was it Wild Creek Cove?) in Beltzville State Park. It was such a beautiful, peaceful day, all grey and cold. I’m certain we reaped the benefits of Super Bowl Sunday, since things were wonderfully quiet at the park.

One of the most fabulous things I discovered over the weekend were the huge thickets of wild rhododendrons growing in the forests. While I know these can’t possibly be Pacific rhododendrons, I am dying to know what color the blossoms will be! You know I was enjoying my time looking at them, because I completely forgot to take any pictures of the rhododendrons to share with you!

I must return in the Spring…

Frilly fungus

I just love fungus, don’t you? There are so many gorgeous varieties of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they serve such an important role in the forest! Fungi are the decomposers – they take complex molecules and break them down into molecules which are more readily assimilated by creatures such as trees (and many others). Without fungi, there would be no forests!

Here we see them dutifully assisting with the decomposition of a few logs. I'd love to provide you with more detailed images, but that will have to wait. My folks gave me a shiny new camera for Christmas which should capture close-ups without defocusing... Alas, it is lost in a box!