Leonard Weber

September 29, 2024

There are many fallen logs in the woodland of Eliza Howell Park, as is normal for an old forest. Fall is a wonderful time of the year to check out these logs and to note the variety of mushrooms that can be found.

The log mushrooms are often fascinating in appearance and texture. In addition, they are agents of decomposition, contributing to the process of breaking down the wood and eventually returning nutrients to the ground to be used by other plants.

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After viewing a number of other logs, I walked to a large beech log that had been down for some years. It has often hosted mushrooms in past years, and I was curious to see what might be present this fall. I was surprised by the abundance!

It’s difficult to catch in photos the full impression that this mushroom log makes when one stops for a look. Since I first saw it a few days ago, I  have returned each time I have been in Eliza Howell Park.

Who would think that agents of decay could be so impressive!