Our Environment with the Mushroom

From the "food of the Gods" as referred to by the Romans to "the plant of immortality" as viewed by the Ancient Egyptians, or the object of a photo or the media used by artist, mushrooms play an interesting role. In fact, it is believed that mushrooms were the first living organisms on land hundreds of millions years before plants. In addition, present day researchers have data showing that mushrooms may be a vital solution to many of our earths environmental issues.

Tug Hill Lewis County region is home to many types of mushrooms. Mushrooms are fungus organisms that survive on other organic materials, such as trees, soil, fallen leaves and logs. These fascinating and photogenic fungi are created from mycelium-producing spores. The mycelium is the body of the mushroom and generally stays hidden in the organic material where the spore germinated. From the mycelium grows the fruit, which is the mushroom we see and appreciate. The mature fruit attempts to perpetuate the cycle each day by sending off billions of spores in the wind. The Tug Hill region is an inviting region for mushroom enthusiasts to get out their field guides and identify these intriguing organisms.

While many mushrooms are extremely poisonous to consume, others are edible and are known to have great health benefits. Many are believed to be capable of lessening immune system irregularities. However, do not eat wild mushrooms, only well trained Mycologists can identify the different types.

Regardless of your take on mushrooms, we all can appreciate their beauty and role in the environment.

Learn More at
wikipedia.org
AmericanMushrooms.com
Paul Stamets on 6 ways mushrooms can save the world