Pulaski state Park

A Rhode Island Mycological Society Forest Exploration was held at Pulaski State Park in Chepachet, on Wednesday, November 16th at 12:30pm. Pulaski Park is home to a variety of mature hardwood and conifer trees, Peck Pond, Keach Brook and features an interesting terrain, creating many areas with unique micro habitats. Most of the trails, roads and other structures were hand crafted in 1939 by The Civilian Conservation Corps. The public has been enjoying the miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and swimming in the pond at Pulaski since 1940 when the 100 acre state park opened.

It had rained a total of 1.03 inches throughout the pervious night and into the morning. In fact, it continued to sprinkle as the people began to arrive. Although it was 56 °F it felt chilly, but the hardy Rhode Islanders had donned appropriate gear and were eager to hit the trails. The dew point was 55°F and humidity at 97%. A gentle breeze at 7 mph. It had not rained more than .o5 inches during the last 2 weeks, so the recent wetness over the weekend and night before created a sense of excitement amongst the group as they greeted one another. Curious what mycological wonders awaited them, some began to walk along the edge of the parking lot while waiting for everyone to arrive. Within what could not have been more than seconds, the fungal fans started calling out-they found MUSHROOMS!

By the parking lot, many large Eastern White Pines and a few Pitch Pines stand tall. More than 30 mushrooms produced by Cystoderma sp. (pictured) were found tucked in amongst the thick pine duff. A few species of Mycena, Marasmius, a Laccaria, a cluster of Tricholoma, some very fresh Suillus luteus, a few Ampulloclitocybe clavipes, Xerompalina cauticinalis and several large old blackened Russula were also found in this small area.

By 12:45pm the misty rain had stopped. The group followed the blue trail along the edge of Peck pond. In the open grassy area they did not find any fungi. The pine trees towered overhead, joined in this area by some red oaks and other hardwoods. By the side of the trail, Romen Brandt, of North Scituate, found some Tolypocladium! He pointed out the club shaped discovery and everyone quickly circled around it. Tolypocladium is an interesting, Ascomycete fungi. Certainly, one to be on the look out for during the colder late autumn months. It is fairly common in our area and easily recognizable.

What makes this mushroom so interesting?

It is a parasite! Its feeds upon another Ascomycete that is buried, sometimes up to several inches in the soil.

No gills here- instead spores are produced within tiny pits, or flask shaped chambers, called perithecia. If you look closely, with the help of a hand lens or magnifier, at the blackish tops of the Tolypocladium the round openings of the tiny chambers can be visible.

The host for this fungal parasite is also noteworthy. Commonly called, a false deer truffle or Elaphomyces. These are related to other “sac fungi” and not the edible, true truffles many people are familiar with. The Elaphomyces other relatives are known as some of the green and blue molds. These subterranean fungi are found in temperate and subarctic forest ecosystems and considered to be among the most important ectomycorrhizal fungi. These small, round, underground fungi are directly connected to nearby root tips in ways that are significant for the existence of both the tree and the fungi! A reminder that many, many, many species of fungi do not produce visible “mushrooms” they remain hidden from view in the soil, and elsewhere. Yet, they are the superstars of every ecosystem, making life on earth possible.

The delicate task of exhuming the false deer truffle can be difficult, but after a suspenseful few moments, of slow, careful digging, the group gasped as the subterranean entity entered their topside realm.

The sauntering along the blue trail continued. The group encountered Jelly fungi, Polypores, Crusts and fungi that had “teeth.” Mushrooms growing on leaves, sticks, pine needles and amongst mosses. Growing on logs in all stages of decay, growing under logs and in-between the cracks of the bark on both standing and fallen wood. Mushrooms with stems that were as thin as a strand of human hair, some with big, thick, chunky stems, and others that had no stems at all. Much discussion was generated by this variety of substrates and impressive diversity of size, shape, color and fungal fruiting body form. Most of the fungi observed were saprobic, meaning they obtain nutrients by breaking down non-living, organic matter. As the group was discussing fungal digestion and their dining habits, troops of the powdery piggyback mushroom, Astrophora lycoperdoides were found growing on old half rotten Russula. This cute looking little mushroom, is a Parasite. Like the Tolypocladium, its meal another mushroom.

The group passed trees that had been gnawed on by beavers, some of which, were still standing, others just stumps with neatly chiseled, pointed tops. A slug was found on a clump of old, unidentifiable remains of a mushroom at the base of a tree. One red backed salamander, observed under a log. Due to the wind putting the forest canopy in almost constant motion the bird activity was difficult to monitor, with only a few Black Capped Chickadee seen, and the sound of a Raven’s guttural croaking heard in the distance.

The group covered a distance of about 1.7 miles, in about 3 hours. The temperature had dropped to 48 °F. The dew point was now at 40 °F and humidity 74 %. The winds had increased with gusts reaching up to 28 mph. The group of mushroom lovers were unbothered by the cooler temps and strong breeze. They were, however, blown away by the diversity of fungi they discovered while exploring the forest of Pulaski Park.