President’s Message, January 2022

by Susan Libonati-BarnesPosted onAnnouncements
Jelly fungus on parchment fungus. S. Libonati-Barnes.
Drama in the forest! In winter, the golden jelly fungus, Tremella aurantia (AKA witch’s butter), can be found as a parasite on the brown parchment fungus, Stereum hirsutum (AKA false turkey tail). These interlocked organisms both occur on decaying hardwood branches or logs. Photo taken by Susan Libonati-Barnes on January 11, 2021.

Dear Members:
It seems to be three seasons in one lately. Frost and snow have covered the ground, while colorful leaves still cling to the oaks, and green shoots of native bulbs are springing up. When I first moved here, I asked some friends what the climate was like, and all they would say was that each year is different.

Grateful for some rain, mushrooms are popping from the duff: from edible blewits (Lepista nuda) to deadly poisonous amanitas (Amanita phalloides).

Thanks to the nursery at Shasta College, and to our Propagation volunteers, Shasta Chapter continues to grow native plants for the coming year.

At Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Fremont’s silk tassel (Garrya fremontii), a species I rarely get to see, is flaunting its purple tassels.

Fremont's silk tassel. J. Kelley.
Fremont’s silk tassel, Garrya fremontii, is now blooming at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Photo by Jeremey Kelley.

I urge you members to go out, enjoy, and continue to protect our marvelous native plants and habitats.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2022.
~Susan Libonati-Barnes, President

Mt. Shasta and Shastina. S. Libonati-Barnes.
Mt. Shasta and Shastina, as seen from near Yreka on November 11, 2020. Photo by Susan Libonati-Barnes.