September into October is the perfect time of the year to get out and explore the various conservation properties in and around Andover. Members of the Andover Conservation Commission, Nancy Robart and Nancy Teach, joined by Andover Resident Miranda Dawalga and her daughter, Beretta, recently took some time to explore two local Ausbon Sargent conservation properties, the recently acquired McDonough conservation easement along Route 11 in Andover, and the Pound Woodland Preserve in Wilmot. 

Each of these easements, with habitats consisting of mixed hardwood and pines, as well as seasonal streams and wetlands, provide the perfect environment for different native fungi to grow and thrive. While making our way through the McDonough easement we observed that, although there had not been significant rainfall in the area for over a week, the soil maintained quite a bit of moisture, which can be a good sign for finding fungi. 

Along our route we came across some colorful little “wax caps,” which, although quite small, stood out from the brush and greenery with their bright red/orange hues. As we continued to scan the forest floor, we spotted a small patch of inedible, “common earth balls,” which were identified by their tough dark brown skin and blue/black interior flesh. Next to a small group of birch trees we spotted a “bolete” (a general term for a capped mushroom with pores rather than gills) that, due to age and condition, was a bit difficult to confidently identify as a specific species for foraging.

The Pound Woodland Preserve offered an even greater opportunity to observe and identify some different fungi along the hiking trail. Upon first stepping foot onto the trail from the parking area we spotted a small patch of white “funnel caps,” named for the funnel shape the cap takes on as it grows. As we ventured farther down the trail, we started spotting various “russula” species (a general term for a genus of mushrooms with brittle gills), from the bright red, and inedible, “russula emetica” to the large white and abundant autumn variety, the “short stemmed russula,” which when infected by hypomyces mold becomes the vibrant red/orange and edible “lobster mushroom.” 

Along a seasonal stream where the rocks and decaying logs were covered by a thick carpet of moss, we spotted some “coral” species, as well as several large orange “Scaly Vase Chanterelles.” While these share the “chanterelle” name, they are inedible. However, they are a good indicator that the edible and choice “golden chanterelles,” “yellow foot chanterelles,” and “black trumpets” grow in the area as well.

Near the end of our hike, we finally found something we could forage, had they not been past their prime. “Honey Mushrooms”! These mushrooms, named for their yellow to gold-brown color and appearance, were identified by the small “hairs” on the cap, the ring on the stem, and most important, the white spores that could be seen on the tops of the caps beneath the top layer of mushrooms. This spore print allows us to be certain these are honeys and not a toxic lookalike, such as the highly toxic “galerina,” which has a rust-colored spore print.

While we only observed a small sample of species in these areas at this time, the variety that was observed leads us to believe that as we explore these properties during different seasons, and when there is more rain, there will be much more to observe and to forage. Although foraging can be an exciting and beneficial hobby, it is important to remember the potential risks involved. 

The number one rule of foraging any plant or fungi is never to consume it unless you can 100 percent identify it as safe to consume. If you are new to foraging, it is best to gain the proper knowledge for identification, which includes utilizing creditable books and resources, finding and identifying the species using these unique physical features, as well as verifying the identification of the fungi with an experienced instructor. As always, when foraging or exploring our local conservation land please have respect for the habitat, stick to marked trails as much as possible, take only what you need, and leave the rest for nature.

For more information about our local conservation properties or the Andover Conservation Commission, visit andover-nh.gov/conservation-commission or ausbonsargent.org/properties.