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Field Notes from Jess ~ Rewilding in 2021 | Week 45/52 | Fall

mushroom identification nature bathing rewilding Oct 31, 2021
Rewilding | Nature Bathing | Mushroom Identification
Field notes from Jess ~
Rewilding in 2021 | Week 45 of 52 Enchanted Forest
October 31. As a Rewilder, A trip to the forest to engage the mysterious world of fall mushrooms growing abundantly in the Pacific Northwest felt like the right activity for such an Enchanted day.
I joined @discomycete and @species.i.see who shine in brilliance with their knowledge on mushroom identification. With the sweetest couple Alison and Rance, we explored the forest floor, the tree stumps and river beds ~ excitedly waiting to find the next discovery.
It seems that the more I try to learn about mushrooms the more illusive they feel to me. My brain worked hard to remember the scientific names I was taught and how to make identification distinctions. One must really spend time observing, reading and interacting with this incredible species in order to truly speak its language and engage its offerings.
I found my analytical mind was shutting down from trying to absorb the detail and information….so I relaxed and let my senses take over…smelling, touching, watching and of course taking pictures. It is a kingdom of mystery and strangeness, filled with beauty and intelligence.
We saw Coral, puffballs, Fairy Bonnets, Honey Mushrooms, Shaggy Parasol, Oyster Mushrooms, Fiberhead, Sulfer Tuft and many more.
All of these fascinating fungi are extremely photogenic. I was delighted by their images! Along the trail we found a perfect wood throne (see image), I am sure the forest fairies come out at the magic hour to feast and dance there.
My communion with the forest and introduction to the mycelium and fruiting bodies of the mushroom was enchanting. I felt like Alice in Wonderland in a strange and colorful world.
The South Sound Mushroom Club Is a wonderful resource to engage learning and hands-on identification meet-ups.
“Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast” is an excellent book recommendation along with a recent recommendation from @northwest.resilience
“All that Rain Promises” which is decidedly the best book cover. Ever.
Download INaturalist app ~ A wonderful observation tool
@jess_wildkindacademy IG
@wildkindjess TikTok
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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