In January 4 people documented 71 species of fungi with a total of 110 observations. This month we had an average daily high of 52f. Rhode Island normally has average daily high of 37f. We also received more rain than usual, but due to much higher than average winds we didn’t find as many fungi as we had hoped for.

The Artist's Bracket, Ganoderma applanatum was found frequently this month. Like many other bracket fungi they are perennial. Unlike fleshy mushrooms these beautiful, woody, shelf like, fruiting bodies will continue to grow for many seasons- something to keep in mind when deciding what to collect for study or for your own enjoyment. We like to leave the big grandmother polypores to live out the rest of their days in the forest.