Jack London described “The Call of the Wild” as many mushroom hunters would describe the hunt for wild mushrooms. The signs are everywhere, pointing the way. Every patch of woods begs to be explored and the experienced hunter reads the weather, trees and seasons like a clues on a treasure hunt. Each month renews the thrill of the hunt with a fresh checklist of treasures to find along with the pursuit of the unknown.

To others, however, its foolishness and a complete waste of time, even dangerous.

For some people, the call of the wild is more of a warning bell, steering them clear of outdoor adventures. To them, a hike through the woods is completely unnecessary and is one of those activities that puts them at high risk of exposure to mud on the shoes/clothing and potentially  snakes, spiders, and mosquitoes. Why would they ever stray away from the pavement? After all, it was put there for a reason.

The majority of people are found somewhere between these two extremes. Not everyone needs to become a botanist or even a citizen scientist, but it is my goal to take the blindfold off of those who have never really noticed the ecosystem around them and encourage exploration. Our ecosystem is a largely hidden world revealed by constant curiosity and a sharp eye. These qualities can be developed and nurtured over time.

Recently, I decided to share our local Western Pennsylvania ecosystem with a group of co-workers. Some shared my fascination with fungi while most were just being pleasantly polite. A good time was had by all, in spite of initial expectations. We spent a couple hours hiking in Mingo Creek County Park and found more than 30 species of mushrooms (photos and details about the species below).

Suillus americanus

Hymenopellis furfuracea

Trichaptum biforme

Tremellodendron pallidum

Fistulina hepatica – cross section view

Suillus granulatus

Crepidotus sp.

Suillus granulatus

Fistulina hepatica

Daedaleopsis confragosa

Cantharellus lateritius

Psathyrella delineata

Ramaria stricta

Dacryopinax spathularia

Clitocybula abundans

Polyporus alveolaris

Fomitopsis spraguei

Cantharellus minor

Lycoperdon perlatum

Baeospora myosura

Daedaleopsis confragosa

Russula species

Xylaria polymorpha

Omphalotus illudens

Sarcoscypha occidentalis

Geastrum saccatum

Laccaria amethystina

Sarcoscypha occidentalis

Scleroderma citrinum

Stereum ostrea

Lactarius subplinthogalus

Gymnopus dryophilus

Geastrum saccatum

Hydnum repandum

Trametes versicolor

Cantharellus lateritius

Amanita amerirubescens

Scutellinia scutellata

Amanita parcivolvata

Laccaria amethystina

Lactarius subplinthogalus