A walk through Mandaumin Woods in autumn is a bonanza of brilliant colours! Depending on when you visit the trail many different ferns and fungi can be seen; during the Mandaumin Woods bioblitz 11 different species of fungi were found (Polyporus alveolaris, Stereum ostrea, Hygrocybe punicea, Polyporus squamosus, Scutellinia scutellata, Crepidotus mollis, Pleurotus ostreatus, Hygrocybe nitida, Fuligo septica, Marasmius rotula, Panus conchatus).
The Christmas fern is particularly beautiful amongst the fall leaves and will still be green throughout the Christmas season – even peaking green through the white snow! The Christmas fern forms a dense covering over the soil and grows commonly in groups of two to three individual plants or in large colonies. It also provides a protective habitat for many native ground-feeding and ground-nesting bird species.
The rustling of the leaves as you walk the trail is sure to bring a smile to your face. The squirrels are also a pleasure to watch as they are particularly busy this time of year stocking up for the winter ahead. Come out and enjoy the fall colours at Mandaumin Woods!
