Tryon Creek's Fungi Forest

On a chilly Sunday in November, Fort Stevens Park Ranger and mushroom expert Dane Osis paid Tryon Creek a visit. He lead a group discussion and hike focusing on the mushrooms that grow in the park...

Multiple mushroom varieties are happy to share the same living quarters...

The honey mushroom was a group favorite...

Close-up of a bird's nest fungi...

Mushrooms are a source of fascination. They truly are marvels of our world and are in a class all their own (although technically it's called a "kingdom" rather than class, as all living things are organized into large basic groups called kingdoms). We are able to see only the "fruit" of the fungus - the rest of it, the living body, is a web that is generally hidden from view in the soil, wood or other food source. Fungi use many different things for food: Some are decomposers that consume dead organic material like leaves; others consume living organisms, some of which cause disease such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Fungi can also be useful, such as the yeasts that are used to make bread, wine and beer.

Many thanks to Ranger Osis for sharing Tryon Creek's mycological marvels with us!

Bruce Rottink nominated for OPRD's L.L. "Stub" Stewart Volunteer Award

OPRD Director Tim Wood and FOTC volunteer Bruce Rottink at the L.L. "Stub" Stewart Volunteer Award Ceremony, Newport, Oregon - October 2011

On Saturday, October 11^th, Friends of Tryon Creek volunteer Bruce Rottink stood before a large group of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff members as well as members of Friends’ groups from around the state of Oregon to be recognized for his nomination at the annual L.L. "Stub" Steward Award Ceremony.

Held every year, the L.L. "Stub" Stewart Award Ceremony is intended to recognize dedicated volunteers from Oregon’s Friends’ groups. This year, Sarah Kreisman, the Volunteer Coordinator for the Friends of Tryon Creek, nominated Mr. Rottink for his volunteer commitment and contributions to the park.

When asked what inspired his passion for the preservation and stewardship of the outdoors, Mr. Rottink responded that it all began in junior high and high school, when he worked on his uncle’s Christmas tree farm for $1 an hour. He was very interested in trees and went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Forest Science, which included coursework in things as far-flung as soils, climatology, geology and chemistry. He eventually got his Ph.D. in tree physiology and applied his knowledge to forestry work doing research with plant biology groups as well as watershed research. He was also a research forester and worked primarily in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, west of the Cascades.

Mr. Rottink retired last year and decided to try his hand volunteering with the Friends of Tryon Creek. He now spends 90% of his volunteer time guiding nature hikes for school children and has a great time teaching them about the earth’s natural systems and the flora and fauna indigenous to Tryon Creek.

Studies show that children who grow up spending time in nature are much more likely to conserve and protect it as adults. With this in mind, Mr. Rottink observes that working with children is very rewarding and “each child may make a difference”. Mr. Rottink’s philosophy and dedication are inspiring, and the Friends of Tryon Creek were proud to see him nominated for his good works at the park.