We are happy that it rained last night, but it wasn't enough to produce a radical change in the fungal fruitings of the Mianus River Trail. We could really use a couple of good downpors - and very soon - to help conditions for morels! Now is the time when they should be at their peak. Oh well. Fortunately we had Carol Levine as our leader today and so we learned a lot about some of the plants that flourish at this time of year. Among the treasures found and discussed were Pyrola (Shinleaf), Barren Strawberry, NY and X-mas Ferns, Lycopodiums (Club'Mosses'), Witch Hazel, Trout Lily, May Lily, and the differences between Sedges, Rushes and Grasses.
"Sedges have edges
Rushes are round,
Grasses are hollow
Down to the ground."
Fungally there wasn't much to talk about. We saw some old Daedalea quericina, Daedaliopsis confragosa, Stereum ostrea, Trichaptum biformis, Apiosporina morbosum, Pluteus cervinus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and a Peziza species. The best collection of mushrooms found was brought by Connecticut resident, Bob, who brought a bagful of Wine Caps (Stropharia rugosoannulata) along to the walk for us to identify. He plans on cooking them up for dinner.
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