Mushrooms were everywhere at Saint Andrews Forest Farm since it has been raining for days and the temperatures are in the 60s at night and 70s during the day. The rain is wonderful and much appreciated as the water table is still very low.
We saw these tiny Mycenae and Coprinellus growing together.
Saprobic fungus thriving with the moisture and temperatures in the perfect range for them to break down forest litter. Stereum complicatum, crowded parchment, growing on multiple stumps and dead hardwood throughout the farm. Chalciporus piperatus, Peppery Bolete, is reported to be edible when thoroughly cooked. It is very peppery so it will spice up a dish. It was a surprise to find a bolete with the weather being cooler. Pawpaws leaves yellowing as part of the trees natural process of going dormant for winter. It makes them very easy to locate right now. We found a few more clusters of pawpaws near the wet weather gully on the south side. More pawpaws going dormant for the winter across the waterway. Amanita bisporigera, Eastern North American Destroying Angel, are found in multiple areas of SAFF this fall. These are deadly. Terrapene carolina carolina, Eastern box turtle, on the north side looking for food.Calvatia craniiformis, Brain puffball, found just off the top clearing in a group of seven. Lycogala epidendrum, Wolf’s milk, found at the gate to SAFF. This is a slime mold instead of a fungus.
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