| Date: November 8, 2002 | | Location Mushroom Hike | | Where: Sweet Home Ranger District, Willamette National Forest | This was an event to learn about wild mushrooms that was put together by the Sweet Home Ranger District. We assembled at the Ranger Station and were able to view some fungi samples and listen to explanations of lichens by botanist Alice Smith and explanations of mushrooms by botanist Noel Bacheller. We then pilled into vans and were transported up the South Santiam to the House Rock Campground where we began our search for mushrooms.
|  | | Botanist Noel Bacheller explains about False Chanterelles A majority of our hike was along the historic Stantiam Wagon Road, which is very fascinating in its own way. It was developed in the 1860s to enable farmers to transport their goods to the gold fields in Eastern Oregon. In 1905 it was a part of the route of the first transcontinental auto race. It now sees recreational use by hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and mushroom hunters!
|  | | Botanist Noel Bacheller explains about Slippery Jacks Probably the most unusual sighting of the day was a Pacific Giant Salamander. This is the largest salamander in North American, an elusive fellow, who likes to stay hidden under mossy logs, venturing out during periods of heavy rain (which we were certainly having). They are know to bark and bite!
|  | | Botanist Alice Smith displays the Pacific Giant Salamander |
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