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Photo: Inky Cap Mushroom (Coprinus)
So MUSH-ROOM to Explore Fungi
By: Martha Cerda, Naturalist
Our late fall showers have arrived! And with them you will start seeing the fruiting bodies of mushrooms peeking above ground. Although they might not be in ‘bloom’ all year, these diverse organisms are alive underground for most of the year. Mushrooms, as we commonly know them and oftentimes enjoy as part of meal, are the part that is most visible to the eye. Mycelia, a network of fine white cells, are the main parts of fungi and lie inside the substrate. In order for the fruiting bodies to pop up, environmental conditions have to be just right. Soil conditions and weather conditions are extremely important to fungi, and it is only when the ground is moist enough that the fruiting bodies make an appearance.
Mushrooms are part of the larger classification of fungi organisms. These variable organisms are found in many different colors, shapes, and textures. They can be found in almost every environment, even our backyards. One of our common visitors at the Alviso Adobe is a mushroom known as the Inky Cap. There are many species of Inky Caps (Genus Coprinus) in our area. Following our first drenching rain showers, I start seeing clusters of Inky Caps pop up near the visitor center close to the large Valley Oak tree. These bell shaped, light gray mushrooms have gills that liquefy, as they auto-digest. You can even make ink for writing using the cap.
Mushrooms are highly important to our ecosystem, since these decomposers break down dead plants and animals as their primary food source. They are the recyclers of the Earth, recycling nutrients that are necessary for many plant roots to take in. Not only do they help with the overall balance of our ecosystem, they can also be good for our health. Some mushrooms are a good source of nutrition and can boost the immune system, lower high blood pressure, and increase defenses against viral infections.
Mushrooms have been used for centuries by many California Indians. Nowadays, identifying mushrooms is a common hobby for many fungi enthusiasts. However, foraging and harvesting for fungi has been an important part of many cultural traditions. Native Californians have used mushrooms and other fungi as a food source, medicine, and technology. Although specific species are not accurately known, we know the Ohlone Native Americans harvested mushrooms and roasted them on coals, sprinkled them with salt, and ate them.
Although you might be tempted to forage mushrooms, a word of caution to my fellow fungi foragers, collecting is not permitted in many public parks. And as a reminder, collecting wild mushrooms without expert knowledge can be dangerous since some are deadly.
Curious about mushrooms? Join me on a hike as we explore the nearby Cordeut trail. We will meet at the Alviso Adobe Community Park and head on over to the Castleridge trailhead and dive in to the world of fungi. See our Naturalist Hike ad below for details.
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Upcoming Programs and Events
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Alviso Adobe Community Park
3465 Old Foothill Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Facility Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday
10:00am-4:00pm
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Contact our Staff:
alvisoadobe@cityofpleasantonca.gov
Martha Cerda
Naturalist
Nick Carozza
Assistant Naturalist
Heather Smalley
Advanced Ridge Runners Camp Coordinator
Amanda Schmidt
Volunteer Coordinator and Administrative Assistant
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