Report by Currie Marr:
Due to Covid-19, the Wilber Park hike, July 14, was the first scheduled hike to actually occur since mid-March. Twenty people were eager to escape the confinement of home and join friends to walk selected bike paths that followed the Oneonta Creek, back of the High School, and return to the parking area. Jim Austin reported the total distance walked was 2.26 miles. Along the way, we saw a massive parasitic fungus growing from the base of a Red Oak tree. The fungus is the “Berkeley’s polypore,” named for British mycologist M. J. Berkeley (1893-1889). It is reported edible when young but bitter in age. Another notable find by Aleda was the Helleborine orchid. Covid-19 precautions included: 1) everyone wearing a mask, 2) walking in single file, and 3) observing space-distancing. Congratulations to everyone for following these precautions throughout the entire event Photographs contributed by Irene Jervis, Fred Johnson, and Betsy O’Brien.
Susquehanna Chapter 