NH neighborhood walk June 9, 2023

I walked for approximately an 45 minutes, eager to explore and appreciate the diverse array of life thriving. During my walk, I noticed that most of the fungi I found were growing on tree stumps. There were mushrooms emerging in different stages of growth and decay, each playing its role in the ecosystem. It was a humbling reminder of the often overlooked world of fungi and their vital role in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and symbiotic relationships with plants. I also noticed some orange-colored, very small mushrooms on the ground near some apple trees which I planted a while ago. Fruit trees rely on the presence of specific fungi to enhance their nutrient uptake. The fungi form a network of fine, thread-like structures called hyphae that extend into the soil surrounding the tree's roots. These hyphae penetrate the root cells and can also form a sheath around them. Also known as mycorrhizal association, the fungi provide many benefits to the fruit tree. Furthermore, there were many beetles during my exploration - many of which flew on me, which allowed for a more up-close observation of their colorful bodies. During the beginning of June, there tends to be many insects and bugs emerging from the ground. However, the weather was slightly cold and overcast, so there were not many bugs outside. One of the most interesting finds was a small puddle which was covered by some kind of slimy biofilm. Overall, I really enjoyed my nature walk!

Publicado el 09 de junio de 2023 por susannehahs