Tips for Today
Happy autumn! There are a lot of mushrooms in the woods right now, with all kinds of striking colors (purple, orange, red, gold) and artistic shapes (ones that look like coral reefs or a fan). They have creative names like Chicken-of-the-Woods and Beefsteak. You’ll see them on the ground, on a fallen, decomposing log, and in a tree’s upper branches, especially after a good amount of rain.
There are some easy-to-use guides that fit in your pocket and have excellent illustrations. These guides are especially helpful if you’re opting out of using devices or, if we’re being real, there is no cell service out on the trails. There is a colorful, waterproof fold-out from earthskywater.net called “Common Mushrooms of the Northeast,” or, “The Mushroom Finder,” by Jacob Kalichman and illustrated by Roo Vandegrift. There are likely some groups of mycologists in your community. Always consult an expert if you are planning to forage. As autumn progresses, mushroom variety and abundance begin to dwindle due to temperature changes and early-season snow cover.
Happy exploring!