Autumn has arrived! Here’s a very brief list of wild edible mushrooms that you may be able to find this time of year. This list mostly applies to fungi that grow in the temperate regions of eastern North America.
Keep in mind that many other edible mushrooms grow during the autumn season (e.g., shaggy mane, cauliflower mushroom, bear’s head tooth, etc.). For more information on each species, consult a field guide or a mycological key. You can also check out the Learn Your Land YouTube channel HERE.
The Virginia Bluebird Society’s 2024 Biennial Conference will focus on various aspects of bluebird conservation and habitat preservation. Attendees can expect presentations from experts in ornithology, workshops on bluebird monitoring techniques, and discussions about best practices for providing suitable nesting environments. The conference aims to foster collaboration among bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and the general public to promote the protection of bluebirds and their habitats. Networking opportunities and field trips may also be included to enhance participants’ knowledge and engagement.
To register or lean more about this important event, click HERE.
From left, Colleen Earp, Lindsey Kilbourn, Darlene Coleman, Judy Bartlett and Emily Huertas. Photo by Lora Steiner.
On September 4th eleven members of HMN Cohorts 8 & 9, plus two recent transfers from the Rihanna Chapter, led by Judy Bartlett and Eunice Sill, spent a beautiful evening at Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve. Judy and Eunice divided us into two groups in order to practice using the Flora of Virginia smartphone app to identify species with the graphic and dichotomous keys it provides.
The group this writer joined began with a plant known and loved by many Virginians. On beginning our “identification” with the Graphic key we noticed that the app had a different sequence of screens for various users’ fully updated phones, for reasons we couldn’t immediately determine. (I’ve since made an inquiry through the support page at floraofvirginia.org.) In spite of this issue we worked our way through prompted selections among plant groups, county -or GPS- location, moisture & light regimes, and characteristics of leaves, stems and flowers that didn’t overly tax our collective knowledge. Within 5 minutes we were able to make a positive and confident id: Lobelia cardinalis!
Next we attempted to take the longer route through the dichotomous key to learn the species of a strongly scented specimen with square stems and a spike of minute lavender- tinted flowers on top. Mint, yes, but which mint? At this point it must be said that the group further dichotomized.
• Group2a: Willing to distinguish between such features as inferior vs. superior ovaries or actinomorphic vs. zygomorphic calyxes. Hand lens required! The frustration of working through a multitude of couplets to a solution that is clearly incorrect recalled!!
• Group2b: Not as above; may express a strong preference for Seek or other apps using photo-recognition software, or be captivated by the diversity and uniqueness of the carefully protected habitat. Happy to wander over the site with like-minded folks sharing other, perhaps more general plant knowledge.
After an hour and a half of discovery and communion we headed back through the gloaming with increased comprehension of the Flora app’s usefulness to our individual approaches to plant knowledge, and with lots of appreciation for Cowbane as a thoughtfully managed preserve of one of the rarest of eastern habitats.
Additional pictures of beautiful Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve can be found HERE
Migrating Monarch on Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum). Photo taken at Montreal Botanical Garden by Rob Beaton.
As fall approaches, eastern monarch butterflies are beginning their migration southward in response to a combination of environmental cues. Shortening daylight hours, cooler temperatures, and the declining availability of nectar sources signal to the monarchs that it’s time to leave their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada. These changes indicate the approach of winter, when the cold would be fatal to the monarchs if they remained in the north. Instinctively, they start their journey toward the warmer climate of central Mexico, where they can find the ideal conditions to survive the winter months. This migration is a vital part of their life cycle, allowing them to find shelter in the oyamel fir forests of the Sierra Madre mountains until spring returns.
So get outside! Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the greatest migrations on earth in action!
Birdability is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making birdwatching and outdoor recreation accessible to all, regardless of physical ability, health concerns, or other challenges. Founded by passionate birders who believe that nature should be enjoyed by everyone, Birdability works to break down barriers by promoting inclusive practices, providing resources, and advocating for accessible birding locations.
The Birdability Map is an ongoing collaboration between Birdability and National Audubon. Birdability is a brand new nonprofit whose mission is to share the joys of birding with people who have disabilities and other health concerns. By using this map, you not only discover beautiful birding spots but also support an inclusive community that celebrates the joy of birdwatching for all. Join us in making birding accessible and enjoyable for everyone!
The organization also offers educational programs and community-building initiatives, helping to create a welcoming environment for people of all abilities. Through their efforts, Birdability is transforming the birding community, ensuring that everyone can experience the beauty and joy of birdwatching.
With the help of Virginia Master Naturalists, we can help to reduce or remove this information barrier. Using their resource, we can improve access to Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail sites, known as great places to view wildlife. Our goal is to put every accessible VBWT site on the map. Lisa Mease, intern with DWR’s Watchable Wildlife program and Watchable Wildlife Biologist Meagan Thomas will be presenting a training workshop about this exciting new opportunity and how you can help. The day after the training session, we will send information out to all chapters about the activity details, including a Better Impact template so that chapters can approve the activity. Volunteers who want to participate in the activity but who cannot attend the training live should plan on watching the recording.
