Mushrooms at Pine Ridge Park

I really enjoyed going out and learning all about different kinds of mushrooms. I was surprised by how many different categories and types of mushrooms there were just at Pine Ridge Park. One of the most interesting things we discussed on the field trip was the relationship between plants and fungi. Mycorrhizal fungi have mycelium networks that are actually more effective at gathering nutrients and water from the soil than actual plant roots. Nearly all plants on Earth rely on these fungi for those nutrients, but it isn't just the plant that benefits from this relationship. Plants give their accompanying fungus plenty of carbohydrates, which are produced during the photosynthesis process.

Not only is fungi an important part of the ecosystem because of the benefits it gives plants, but it also breaks down dead and decomposing organic matter. Fungi decompose what is dead, and in turn, provide essential nutrients for growing plants. They are a necessary part of a functioning ecosystem.

One species that we saw during the field trip that I really found interesting was the Inky Cap. Inky Caps range from a pale white to light brown, and secrete a dark black goo that can actually be used as ink. But the mushroom doesn't exist with the goal of writing in mind, inky caps liquefy their gills as a way of dispersing their spores quickly and efficiently.