Marshall Fields Habitat Walk Summary 9/28/13

To open the 2013 - 2014 mushroom season the Fungus Fed of Santa Cruz held a habitat walk of Marshall Fields (upper UCSC campus) on the morning of Saturday, September 28th. Though significant amounts of rain had yet to fall, the event was well attended by an enthusiastic group of around 20 fungiphiles. The habitat walk was geared towards beginners and those wanting to brush up on their skills. Our focus was on identifying trees and related habitat, followed by a supporting discussion on the mushrooms one could find there and when they might be found. As is often the case with these events, a few "tips" or inside "suggestions" were given out as we moved through the woods (i.e. "last year someone found Butter Boletes under that tree…). It pays to be involved ;).

The group traversed one of the main trails through MF from the bus stop entrance to the water tanks for two hours discussing trees, fruiting patterns, oddities and whatever else came up. For an event prior to significant rains it was highly interactive and informative, with a few questions even challenging the seasoned guides. Good group, good weather, good time. Mushrooms were not expected being so early in the season and even with recent rains predictions were correct. The few macrofungi found were specimens of "Dead Man's Foot" (Pisolithus arrhizus) and "Dyer's polypore" (Phaeolus schweinitzii). 

With the recent rains and conditions in general there are high hopes for a wet Fall and consequently fruitful mushroom season. Currently there are no local forays planned for October, but keep an eye on the FFSC calendar and, of course, the weather. One more significant storm and we will be back out in the woods searching for the first flush of Fall mushrooms…

Cassandra Fuentes - Minister of Local Forays
Adam Ryszka - Along for the Ride