Make Time to Stop and Smell the Fungi
By Becky Hunt Barkett
A few years ago I was out riding alone, just getting my legs warmed up, when I noticed a yellow flower on the side of the trail (above). I stopped to take a look and, upon closer inspection, realized that it wasn’t a flower after all. Instead, it was a brightly colored mushroom.
I was so mesmerized and in awe at the uniqueness and beauty of the fungi, that I continued on my ride searching for more.
That one mushroom got me thinking about how many other different varieties were out in the woods. and wondered how many times I had ridden by and missed these wonderful little “plants.”
Since then, I have taken time on some of my rides to make it a point to “figuratively” stop and smell the fungi. That first sighting sparked a bit of interest, so I did some research, and learned that mushrooms aren't really plants, they are in a kingdom of their own, fungi. Fungi both look like and take the form of plants. Unlike plants, which make their own food through photosynthesis, the mushroom uses enzymes to feed upon other substances found in the soil and ultimately “flowers” above ground.
Mushrooms often grow in partnership with other plants by attaching themselves to them. Like the Chicken of the Woods pictured below. They are also a key component of our forests since they help recycle nutrients and break down dead plants.
Mushrooms often grow in partnership with other plants by attaching themselves to them
I’ve been amazed at the variety of mushrooms that have suddenly “emerged” before me along the trail now that I am paying attention. Now it’s like a scavenger hunt to find fungi that I haven’t seen before.
While I don’t always ride slowly enough to notice them, I still make it a point on some rides to “hunt” for them. Since making the time, I have seen dozens of different mushrooms in all kinds of colors, shapes and sizes along the various trail systems we all love to visit.
Some are easy to spot while others are more elusive. And, depending on the time of year, the appearance of the same mushrooms may be different.
I’ve also learned that some mushrooms should not be touched since they are poisonous. Though, some are edible.
Making the time to search for fungi has really helped me appreciate all the forest has to offer, and they are yet another reason to cherish the natural beauty that surrounds us.