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Invasive Spotlight: Invasive Plants

People in urban and suburban areas often use the term “invasive” to describe plants or...

Posted on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 10:00 PM

Author: Anne Schellman
Contributor: Karey Windbiel-Rojas

Welcome, Anise Swallowtail!

The Anise Swallowtail, Papilio zelicaon, fluttered into our pollinator garden and headed straight...

Anise Swallowtail Papilio zelicaon, nectaring on Verbena in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Anise Swallowtail Papilio zelicaon, nectaring on Verbena in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Butterfly ballet! Bees startled this Anise Swallowtail that was nectaring on Verbena. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Butterfly ballet! Bees startled this Anise Swallowtail that was nectaring on Verbena. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

A yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, heads for the same Verbena blossom occupied by the Anise Swallowtail. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

A yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, heads for the same Verbena blossom occupied by the Anise Swallowtail. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Posted on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 6:12 PM

Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey

Invasive Spotlight: Wild Pigs

It may surprise you to learn that California is home to invasive wild pigs, also called feral hogs...

Posted on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 8:00 PM

Author: Anne Schellman
Contributor: Karey Windbiel-Rojas

Resources for Beginners interested in Mushroom and Fungi Identification and Foraging

In a prior blog entry, I discussed how I had the pleasure of attending the annual mushroom camp this past January 2018, organized by the Sonoma County Mycological Association (SOMA). It was educational, fascinating, and delicious, and I will certainly attend again.

Although I have not had the time to cultivate my knowledge of mushrooms and fungi since attending the SOMA camp, while there, I did learn of a few resources for anyone interested in learning more about mushrooms and fungi.

Some of the books recommended during the seminars I attended include the ones listed below (in no particular order), with commentary to follow--either my own observations or remarks made by the seminar presenters.

Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fungi of Coastal Northern California

Aug 9, 2016

by Noah Siegel and Christian Schwarz

Noah Siegel was one of the presenters. I have included photographs of him, information he presented, and some of his slides which appear in his beautiful book.

California Mushrooms: The Comprehensive Identification Guide Hardcover – August 12, 2015

by Dennis E. Desjardin (Author), Michael G. Wood (Author), Frederick A. Stevens (Author)

One of the presenters was a student of Dennis E. Desjardin, who is a foremost expert on mushrooms. He teaches at SF State--how wonderful that we have such a great resource in the Bay Area!

All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms Paperback – February 1, 1991

by David Arora

One of the presenters remarked that anyone who picks up this book and reads it, will fall in love with mushroom and fungi foraging. This presenter did note that this book is dated, but nevertheless, a delightful and worthwhile read.

Finally, the Bible of Mushroom identification is a book called 'Mushroom Demystified," also by David Arora. The presenter who introduced me to this book, said that although this book is dated and the current names used for certain varieties of mushrooms and fungi, differ from this guide, this guide still contains a wealth of information and much can be learned from it.

Mushroom and fungi enthusiasts reported at the camp, that Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County, is one of the few places one can forage for wild mushrooms, like porcini mushrooms at certain times of the year. SOMA offers forays (fieldtrips) to Salt Point and other places, for low cost. It always best to go with someone or an organization familiar with mushroom foraging.

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Posted on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 2:17 PM

Author: Betty Homer

UC Davis Design, Entomology Students to Showcase 'The World of Insects' at Art Exhibition June 6

Take the creative and collaborative minds of students studying design and entomology at the...

Graphic design examples by UC Davis student Emily Liu comprise her business system revolving around crickets: "Chirpies."

Graphic design examples by UC Davis student Emily Liu comprise her business system revolving around crickets: "Chirpies."

Silkscreen work hanging on a wire. It will be displayed June 6 at an art exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Environmental Horticulture courtyard.

Silkscreen work hanging on a wire. It will be displayed June 6 at an art exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Environmental Horticulture courtyard.

Demonstrating the silkscreen process are Gale Okumura (back) and Diane Ullman, partially seen.

Demonstrating the silkscreen process are Gale Okumura (back) and Diane Ullman, partially seen.

Posted on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 2:11 PM

Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey