In early January Andrew and I visited Eagle Fern Park, I assume the name pays homage to the fact the park sits along Eagle Creek and is PACKED with ferns. It's also home to amazing lengths of Usnea (Dolichousnea) longissima. I wish this photo didn't insist on being so off in color.
This is what it really looks like. It's pretty amazing stuff, and is considered rare due to loss of habitat, and the fact it's extremely sensitive to air pollution.
In parts of the park it hung from every available surface.
In others it had fallen to the ground where it was being walked upon.
There were also considerable amounts of moss covering trees, rocks and roots.
I thought the bridge would be slippery, and it was. The most unsettling thing however was the fact with every step it bounced and swayed.
I took a video of the fern forest, but it was impossible to capture the magic. So instead I will just share a photo and you'll have to use your imagination to multiply this times one hundred or more. So many ferns.
And a few shelf fungi.
Neither Andrew or I were tired enough that we needed to take a soggy seat.
Ferns!
Fungi!
And moss...
This crazy epiphytic lichen is called Lobaria pulmonaria.
According to
this article it consists "
of an ascomycete fungus and a green algal partner living together in a symbiotic relationship with a cyanobacterium—a symbiosis involving members of three kingdoms of organisms. Commonly known by various names like tree lungwort, lung lichen, lung moss, lungwort lichen, oak lungs or oak lungwort, it is sensitive to air pollution and is also harmed by habitat loss and changes in forestry practices."
As I think I've mentioned before, I am both attracted to and repelled by this lichen. I think it's the indentations that look a little like pores that get me.
I believe this moss is called Thuidium delicatulum, or fern moss.
For big gatherings and family reunions. You know, back when we could do that sort of thing.
These crazy little fungi had me wishing I had brought a camera with me instead of just my phone—and maybe a magnifying glass and my reading glasses.
You can make out little circles in the center of each circle, but they're too blurry to see close up.
Here's the final shot from that day, the water and tree roots making a nice texture echo.
Weather Diary, Feb 8: Hi 47, Low 35/ Precip 0
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danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
In spite of the difficulty, you did a good job transferring the glory of that park to your post. There is nothing like a rain forest to make the spirit soar. I love the variety of moss and fungi everywhere. Had it been less soggy, it'd be nice to sit at the log-chair and take it all in for a minute.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, it was a lovely seat. Maybe we can enjoy it another time.
DeleteEach one of these photos would have made a great WV, Loree. They're fantastic. I would never have imagined a lichen like that (not that I've seen much lichen in person) nor such perfectly round coin-like fungi. The park's magical qualities come through in your photos.
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit it, but I think the fact there were only two other groups of people there really helped up the magic.
DeleteLooks so...moist! But in a most excellent way.
ReplyDeleteMost excellent!
DeleteIt may have been a bit damp, but wow, what magic. The lichen and moss are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThey really were. The branches so thick with moss.
DeleteWhat an atmospheric looking place, and all that moss and fern shows how clean and fresh the air must be there.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely...my lungs felt good.
DeleteI can totally see why that lungwort thing is repulsive :) It reminds me of hollywood versions of burned skin. Like Freddy Kruger.
ReplyDeleteAnd that last pic shows just how good an eye you have. I mean, that's confirmed in every post, but that one pic just drives the point home :)
Yes! Hollywood skin... ugh. Thank you for the compliment!
DeleteYou got these photos literal days before the ice storm totally changed the forest. Many trees fell, split, and literally broke in half. The middle of the loop is now far more open to the sun and I don’t know if the ferns will continue to grow there. As of May the trail is not ADA accessible because a tree is across the trail near the bridge. I’m glad you got to see it while it was so lush!
ReplyDeleteOh no! It was so perfect when we saw it, that's sad. Now I will need to go back to see Mother Nature's changes.
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