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A Quick Getaway Close to Home
On July 23, 2015, I took a break from exploring Waterton Lakes National Park to enjoy a closer adventure. Just a 40-minute drive southwest of Calgary, five of us spent the day botanizing Darryl Teskey’s beautiful acreage near Millarville.
A Mushroom Enthusiast’s Delight
This was my first visit, and I’m so glad I went. I would have missed fascinating mushrooms, like the Red-belted Polypores (Fomitopsis pinicola?), adorned with exquisite guttation droplets. These tiny beads of liquid, which some fungi exude, resemble tears or sweat. In certain species, the droplets even take on hues resembling blood, tar, or milk.
What Is Guttation?
Guttation, common in some mushrooms, is the process where organisms release excess moisture. It’s not just fungi—it’s a phenomenon observed in plants as well, where they expel water through leaf tips. For mushrooms like Fomitopsis pinicola, these droplets serve as a useful identification marker.
Nature’s Wonders and Skipper Butterflies
As we roamed meadows and forests, we encountered countless obstacles, like fallen logs, making every step an adventure. The sight of hundreds—possibly thousands—of vivid orange Skipper butterflies was breathtaking. They flitted among blossoms of every color, creating a vibrant display I’ll never forget.
Cataloging the Ecosystem
Our mission was simple yet rewarding: document every living organism we found, from fungi to wildflowers. Our leader later compiled a detailed inventory, complete with photos, for the landowner. This collaboration benefits everyone—we enjoy a day in nature, and the landowner gains valuable insights into their property’s ecosystem.
Wrapping Up Before the Storm
Fortunately, the rain held off until we headed back to Calgary. Ominous black clouds loomed, reminding me of the tornado that struck my community just the day before.
Falling Behind but Loving It
After this adventure—and two recent three-day trips to Waterton Lakes National Park—I’m woefully behind on editing and sharing my photos. But with experiences like these, it’s a challenge I don’t mind facing!
