May 13th Ravenna Park

I went to Ravenna park where I observed numerous species of lichen and one species of fungi. I found that I was particularly interested in observing these species because we had learned about them during the previous week's lectures. I find that when we discuss certain species or organisms in class, I am more likely to observe specimens within those particular species when I go out into the Puget Sound Region. I observed numerous lichen species which I have not yet been able to identify. However I was able to idenfity a large mushroom specimen I observed as being in the Genus Ganoderma. This mushroom was extremely large and growing out of the trunk of a tree. The mushroom had a brown top and a white underside.There were at least a dozen mushrooms like it on this trunk and on other woody growths nearby. I found another mushroom-like fungal growth that was circular in shape and of a more moderate size. I have not yet been able to identify it, but I hope to soon.
There were numerous lichen species of all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. I have yet to identify any of these species, but I hope to accomplish that soon.
I returned to Ravenna Park for a run today on the 14th and oberseved some type of butterfly that was primarily brown and had some white, yellow, and black circular markings.
This was my second trip to Ravenna park and I have found that I obseved the area in much closer detail and was able to see the more subtle lichen, fungi, and insect species than I was unable to notice during my first trip there.

Posted on May 15, 2012 06:30 AM by laurars13