Observations by ksadel23

This green and stick like protist was found in a sample of water that was taken from a pond from behind the High School. When viewed under a microscope, its identifying characteristics are its color and elongated shape. I believe that this is correctly identified as Phormidium uncinatum, however, this identification does not appear in the inaturalist database.

This protist was found in a sample of freshwater that was taken from a pond behind Louisa County High School. Characterized by its circular shape and brownish coloration, it is set apart from a similar looking species such as the water flea.

These freshwater protists were found in a sample of water from a pond behind Louisa County High School. One of the Daphnias was pregnant and giving birth whiel being viewed under the microscope. The other was still carrying eggs.

These flowers were found by a cement ramp among other species of tall grasses. It is distinct from other flowers of its kind as its petals are more straight than curved and they are a light lavender. Another flower that was similar to this flower was relatively close to the location of this flower, however, it had white flowers instead of purple.

This mushroom was found by itself with no other surrounding mushrooms growing by a log in the woods. The outer edges of the mushroom were slightly curled and the inner portion of the mushroom was slightly raised and more orangeish than the rest of the mushroom.

The insect Phylloxera was not visible on the leaves of the trees at this time, however, the galls left on the leaves of this hickory tree and various others throughout the forest were caused by these tiny insects.

This patch of Steccherinum ochraceum was found on the side of a tree relatively close to another species of fungi. The spine like structures protruding from under the fungi easily characterize this species.

The Laetiporus sulphureus, also known as Sulphur Shelf fungus or Chicken of the Forest, was found on multiple trees throughout the forest and grew lengthwise across the logs and trees it was found on for a long distance.

The Appalachian groudsel, also known as Small's ragwort, is characterized by its composite group of yellow flowers. These plants were found near a gravel roadside which is characteristic of these flowers as they are commonly found in artificially cleared areas.

The Jelly Ear is a brown and jelly-like fungus that grows on decaying organisms. This fungus was more glossy looking than other images of this fungus, however, this discrepancy in physical appearance can be attributed to the capacity of these fungi to absorb more than their dry weight in water, allowing for a difference in appearance. IN the past few weeks, this area had received a lot of rain in a short amount of time which could have caused this.

Broom moss, also known as windswept broom moss, has tall stalk like structures that grow among shorter frond like structures which make this type of moss distinct from other mosses. Also, at the tops of these stalks, are brown tips that are thicker than the rest of the stalk which is a distinct characteristic of the broom moss.