Nature field note
Forest recyclers
Helpful Mushrooms
Many fungi help forests by turning old leaves and wood into rich soil.
Let's look closer
Who cleans up the forest floor?
mushroom is only the visible part of a much larger fungus. Fine threads spread through soil and dead wood, breaking tough material into nutrients that plants can use again.
Look for this
Explorer clue
After damp weather, look near fallen logs and leaf litter. Observe with your eyes and leave wild mushrooms untouched, because some are unsafe to handle or eat.
Your turn to wonder
Curiosity question
What do you think a forest would look like without its tiny recyclers?