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Plants Fungi

mushrooms growing within moss and ferns
Article

Bay Area mushrooms: It’s not raining, it’s not sporing

What are we really missing from the sunniest winter in California? Mushrooms! Learn about our mush-needed friends and how they can help us tackle global warming.
A red-and-white fly agaric mushroom at Point Reyes.
Parks

Fungi of the Golden Gate National Parks and beyond

We often look up at the beauty of the Golden Gate National Parks, but sometimes you can find beauty by looking down. And under. And around. That's what San Francisco Park Stewardship Intern Gabriel Tigreros has been doing lately, documenting every mushroom he can find in the Golden Gate National...
A red-and-white fly agaric mushroom at Point Reyes.
Article

A fun fungus journey through the Golden Gate National Parks and beyond

As I began exploring more of the area in my free time, I was delighted to find there were many more species of mushrooms than I had never seen before. While on a hike with a friend in Point Reyes, we noticed a beautiful fly agaric mushroom trail side.
Yerba buena (Clinopodium douglasii) plants.
Article

To eat or not to eat: Flavors of our San Mateo national parks

Have you ever wondered if the various plant and mushroom species you find when exploring San Mateo park sites are edible? You can’t take these with you, but you can get some ideas for your own garden and your next recipe!
Hypogymnia schizidiata lichen.
Article

Taking a Lichen (Or Lovin’) to Rancho Corral de Tierra

This winter we welcome the rainy season, as it typically allows for a rich diversity of various fungi and lichen species to emerge. Take this opportunity to check out the different varieties of species thriving in our San Mateo park sites! You might just take a lichen to what you...
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) spotted on Mt. Tamalpais.
Article

Fun guide: Coolest, weirdest fungi to spot in the Golden Gate National Parks

Come take a moment to lift up a log or peer closely at a fallen branch and you might be surprised at what you find. But what is that spongy-looking thing? And is that orange moss growing on that tree? Don’t worry, the Parks Conservancy has you covered in this...
Alcatraz Historic Gardens
Park E-Ventures Article

Unearthed: Secrets of Alcatraz Gardens’ Ribbon-Winning Compost

We caught up with “Chief Composting Officer” Dick Miner to get the scoop on Alcatraz Historic Gardens’ award-winning compost—and learn some tips for your own.
Presidio Native Plant Nursery
Park E-Ventures Article

Our Expert Tips for Planting Your Native Plant Garden

The rainy winter is when we plant thousands of native plants at restoration sites all across the Golden Gate National Parks. You can do the same in your garden at home, with these tips from experts at our Presidio Native Plant Nursery.
Cobweb Thistle
Park E-Ventures Article

Eight Spookiest Plants in the Golden Gate National Parks

They’re green. They’re ghoulish. And they’re right here in the Golden Gate National Parks. Because of their name, their look, or their poison, these boo-tanical specimens are fit for a witch’s brew, a Halloween party, or a little shop of horror. Read on, if you dare….
Tennesee Vallery Nursery
Park E-Ventures Article

Tennessee Valley Nursery Closes; Its Legacy Grows On

Established in 1987, the Tennessee Valley Nursery closed its nearly 30-year run in May 2016. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the facility produced thousands of plants for habitat restoration sites all across the parks. In this video, hear from some of the amazing people who made it all possible.