Teatown Lake Preserve - II

“Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard explores the complex and interconnected relationships within forest ecosystems, revealing how trees communicate and share resources through underground fungal networks. Simard, a renowned ecologist, provides a compelling narrative that blends scientific research with personal experience, challenging traditional views of trees as solitary organisms. Her work uncovers the role of the "mother tree," a central hub that supports younger trees and fosters forest resilience, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and connection in nature. This book not only advances our understanding of ecology but also encourages a deeper respect for the natural world.”

After reading Suzanne Simard’s Finding the Mother Tree, I will never look at a mushroom growing on the forest floor in the same way. Hidden underground is an incredible network of fungal growth that basically covers the entire forest floor. All the trees and other flora growing on the surface of the woods are interconnected by these fungal mycelia which grow into the root tips of trees and help to redistribute water and nutrients as needed by the other plants. And so, here are a few of the supporting cast of characters on the forest floor which I found on my walk through Teatown Lake Preserve.

Shaggy Legged Ringless Amanita

The Shaggy Legged Ringless Amanita (Amanita strobiliformis) is a distinctive mushroom species characterized by its large, white cap covered with irregular, shaggy patches or warts. Unlike many other Amanitas, it lacks a ring on its stalk, which is rough and similarly adorned with remnants of the universal veil. This species typically grows in woodland areas and can be found near hardwood trees, forming mycorrhizal relationships that are essential for forest ecosystems as described in Simard’s book. While visually striking, the Shaggy Legged Ringless Amanita is considered inedible and potentially toxic, so it should never be consumed.

Violet-toothed polypore

Another fungus which aids in the keeping the forest healthy is the Violet-toothed polypore. These fungi are “saprobes”, organisms which digest dead and decaying organic matter externally. This fungus is commonly found on dead hardwood logs lying on the forest floor and will help regenerate the rich organic soil layer. If we look even more closely at the surface of this fungus, you can detect tiny little stalks of another fungus living as parasites on other fungi such as the Violet-toothed polypore seen above. An enlargement of the shot above shows these little “black matchsticks” much more clearly. The little fungi are known as Fairy Pins.

Fairy pins

And a few more images to wrap up the summary of our Teatown Lake Preserve walk…..

American Bull Frog

Two species of frogs could be heard calling during my walk along the trails at the lake….The Green frog which has a quality of a banjo being strummed, and this gal, the American bull frog (the male has the famous “jug-o’-rum” call). Look carefully at the photo to the right and you will see a raised line extending from her eye and back around her “ear” or tympanic membrane. In a Green frog, that line extends straight back past the ear and down along its back. The fact that the tympanic membrane is smaller than the circumference of the eye is a clue that this is probably a female. In males, the membrane is generally larger than the eye.

Common Eastern Bumblebee near Lizard’s tail

The Common Eastern bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) is a widespread and familiar pollinator native to eastern North America. It is characterized by its robust, fuzzy body with distinct black and yellow bands, making it easily recognizable. These bees play a crucial role in ecosystems by pollinating a variety of wildflowers like this Lizard’s tail.

The Lizard’s tail wildflower (Saururus cernuus) is a distinctive perennial native to wetlands and moist areas of the eastern United States. It features long, slender, heart-shaped leaves and delicate, tail-like flower spikes that curve gracefully, resembling a lizard’s tail. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the white, fragrant flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This plant thrives in marshes, along stream banks, and in other damp environments, making it an important component of wetland ecosystems.

Canada goose

And of course, no wetland habitat in the northeast would be complete without the ubiquitous Canada goose. The Canada goose is a large, wild waterfowl species native to North America, easily recognizable by its black head and neck, white chinstrap, and brownish-gray body. Known for their migratory behavior, these birds travel in distinctive V-shaped formations during seasonal migrations, covering thousands of miles. Canada geese are commonly found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands, where they feed primarily on grasses, grains, and aquatic plants. Their adaptability to urban and suburban environments has led to their increasing presence in parks and golf courses where they are often considered to be a nuisance.

At the turn of the 20th Century, the Canada goose had been hunted to the brink of extinction. Concerned nature lovers and aviculturalists actually began breeding the species and introducing them into new areas. While other species are adversely affected by habitat loss and destruction, the evolution from forest to extensive farmlands in the US expanded the ideal habitat for the Canada goose. With abundant food supply and few predators, the goose regained its stronghold in the northern United States.

And so, the visit to Teatown Lake Preserve proved to be very interesting and productive. We will return later in the summer and fall to observe and record the seasonal changes in this wonderful park. To learn more about Teatown Lake Preserve, click on the button below for a 7 minute introductory video.