Author: Bob Benz

Notes from a walk in the woods

Post author By Bob Benz
Post date June 17, 2025

Found this mangled russula on a beech stump that I inoculated with chestnut mushroom spores after it was cut down to create totem style logs for growing lions mane. We girdled the stump and inoculated it about a year ago. So far, no mushrooms, but a few of the stumps I inoculated with lions mane did fruit this spring, producing tiny lions manes. Not ready to harvest, but a good sign the mycelium is taking over. And the stumps make great tables for the squirrels.

This arion slug has been enjoying the rain.

In my hunt for black trumpets, I’m finding tons of deceivers. They’re apparently edible, though I’ve never tried them. The name is a reference to the wide range of shapes and forms this mushroom takes.

A frog tadpole from our pond, which has become an amphibian hot tub. Toads and frogs have filled it with eggs and tadpoles, and on rainy events it’s a riot of frog and toad calls.

Assorted Bob Feral Bends Forest Farm Innisfree Leaf Litter Phenology Journal

Tiny Toads

Post author By Bob Benz
Post date June 10, 2025

Things are getting biblical around our pond. The frogs and toads were delighted to find a permanent water source for breeding, so it’s swirling with tadpoles. And now the tadpoles are emerging in large numbers, starting with the toads, who were the first to host an orgy at the pond this spring.

Assorted Bob Dog Bob

Four years of hijinks with The Pook

Post author By Bob Benz
Post date June 8, 2025

Four years ago today, the fun began. It started with a Facebook ad for “Pup BI.” I’ve had a lot of great dogs over the years, but no one compares to Althea, whom we affectionately call The Pook. I spent a few hours this morning going through pictures of our life together.