Fungi Field Trip by Shane Hall

     On the 18^th of April, our labs were guided on a field trip through Pine Ridge Park by Gwen and Korena to explore the fascinating world of fungi as well as their important roles in a forest’s ecosystem.  Korena began by introducing us to the various types of fungi and how their interaction with the forest impacts it so.  As we toured the park, we observed many fungi as Korena helped us understand what processes were at work within them.  Figure 1 (as seen below), for example, shows the first fungus we encountered.  This fungi is known as lichen (blueish green color that comes from cyanobacteria).  Korena explained how this fungus shares a mutualistic relationship with the forest as it photosynthesizes on the tree’s side in order to obtain nourishment.

Figure 1 - Lichen observed on the side of a tree

     There were multiple instances of lichen that were observed for the duration of the field trip.  The black spot in Figure 1, as Korena noted, showed how the tree we observed was infected with parasitic fungi.  An interesting fact I learned from Korena is that some trees have adapted to “bleed” sap in order to remove harmful fungi and even insects in this regard.  I thought this was quite a cool fact since it seems that trees can protect themselves much like how an immune system would for the human body.

     As we moved on, I noticed that multiple fungi we observed fell under the phylum Basidiomycota.  One of which were shelf fungi, or conks.  Fungi such as this can be viewed below in Figure 2.  The conks can be seen as pathogenic fungi.  Korena also mentioned that shelf fungi such as these are known as “polypores”.  This term means that the conks have pores on the underside of their fruiting body structures used for releasing spores, though these pores are not gills that are found in other Basidiomycetes.  Figure 3 below also shows polypores.

Figure 2 - Conks on the side of a log.

Figure 3 - Shelf fungi (polypores) on the side of a fallen tree.

     More infected trees, one with a large black spot can be seen below in Figures 4 and 5.  Figure 5 is unique in that the fungi chewing through the tree’s dead wood is known as brown rot, characterized by its color on the tree as it takes its effect.

Figure 4 - Infected tree with large black spot.

Figure 5 - Tree with brown rot.

     While observing collapsed trees (seen below in figure 6), Korena explained mycorrhizal relationships in fungi and how they meet trees at their roots.  Mycorrhizal fungi are considered “friends” to forest life.  However, trees can place a hiatus on their “friendship” with fungi due to the possible resource-strapped nature of the changing seasons.

Figure 6 - Fallen tree.

     Lastly, as seen in the soil of Figure 7 below, we observed various types of Basidiomycetes that fall under the Anamita genus.  The Anamita genus belongs to the dreaded Death Cap, as Korena mentioned.

Figure 7 - Basidiomycota observed in the soil.

     All in all, this field trip opened my eyes to the vast world of fungi, what they sow into forest life, and their overall effect on the environment.  I definitely appreciated Korena’s enthusiasm for the subject as she taught us much about the different types of fungi.  I personally love field experience versus lab experience as it gives students a chance to view organisms firsthand.  It was a truly great experience!