December is busy with holiday preparations, but I was able to take some time away from shopping and baking to attend two events related to fungi. The first was a presentation giving by Rick Van de Pol, an environmental consultant and mycologist, at the NH Technical Institute as part of their Wings of Knowledge program. Dr. Van de Pol provided a brief overview of his experience studying mushrooms in New Hampshire, where he has identified over 1700 species. His talk focused on the benefits of mushrooms and the enjoyment of exploring the fungal kingdom.
The number of mushroom species across the globe is unknown since most have yet to be identified, but some estimate that it could be close to four million! When you see a mushroom on the ground, you are looking at the fruiting body of the fungi that grows beneath the soil. And, what we see above ground is just a small part of the vast network of growth below the surface, which can sometimes stretch for miles. Although some fungi are parasitic, think powdery mildew on your tomato plants, the majority of fungi are beneficial. Saprotrophic fungi serve an essential purpose by decomposing organic matter and creating soil which provides the lifeblood for living matter on earth. Mycorrhizae fungi benefit the environment by forming a symbiotic relationship with plants around it. These fungi help transfer nutrients and water from the soil to plants in exchange for carbohydrates. This is why it is important to avoid disturbing garden soil as much as possible as it disrupts this relationship.
It was fortuitous that another opportunity to learn about mushrooms was playing at our local independent Red River Theatres where they were showing the documentary Fantastic Fungi. If you enjoy beautiful time-lapsed photography and want to delve deeper into understanding the potential beneficial uses of fungi for people, then I recommend watching this movie.
Although outside the ground is now covered with snow, you can still discover the many bracket fungi growing on trees, such as this polypore.
So, when you finish baking that last batch of cookies and putting the last gift under the tree, take a break to take a walk in the woods and contemplate the wonder of God's gift to us in the miraculous world of fungi.
