October 5th: A friend of mine recently remarked that she doesn't like fall since it is ultimately about decay. I prefer to see fall as a kind of extended bedtime. The deciduous trees will spend the winter asleep, so this is their period ofdrowsiness, when they get undressed before going to bed. But unlike us humans, the amazing dream visions happen before they fall asleep, and are now on view for all to enjoy. If we must lose the leaves for a while, what a beautiful way to do it....
October 2nd: This picture may save your life some day. These fungi grow on Birch trees, and are known all over the world as 'tinder' fungus. The flesh inside these hoof-shaped fungi can be used to light a fire, and carry it for long distances because it burns so slowly. Also, if you boil it in urine for a few days ( who figures this stuff out?), it becomes an excellent material for starting fires since it is very flammable. Otzi, the 5000 year old Ice Man who was found in the Alps some years ago, was carrying chunks of this fungus, along with flints for creating sparks. So if you're ever lost in the woods, and need to keep a fire going, look for this stuff.
September 18th: Here's a good look at what tree roots look like, thanks to an eroded hill in one the city's ravines. Roots are pretty cool - they weigh about as much as all the branches and leaves, making them an underground mirror. Roots tend to grow outward, like the bottom of a wine glass, providing stability. They usually don't go very deep, either, since their job is seek out and absorb water and minerals. The roots grow in a random way, often along the tracks made by worms or natural grooves in the soil.
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| A tree hit by lightning |
August 11th: A tree in High Park that looks like it was felled by lightning some years ago. Lightning causes any moisture in the tree to boil along the vertical path of the bolt. The result is often explosive, drawing a straight line down one side of the tree, and blowing off the bark. That opening is often fatal to the tree, as bark is like skin - it keeps out parasites, as well as water that can freeze and thaw, weakening the tree. This tree was at the highest point in this part of the park.
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