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Fall is famously known as mushroom time. Thanks to recent rains and cooler temperatures, local fungi are putting on a spectacular display. Fields Museum mushroom scientist, Matt Nelson, describes this period as the perfect time to encounter these "pop-up" marvels of the plant world. Some fungi, like the unusual Dead Man’s Fingers, resemble eerie, skeletal hands emerging from the ground, showcasing nature’s bizarre creativity.
A Diverse and Healthy Ecosystem
Chicago’s forests and lawns host approximately 1,500 different fungi species. Nelson emphasizes that the abundance and diversity of fungi are indicators of a healthy ecosystem. They perform vital roles, such as decomposing organic matter and enriching soil health, which benefits all plants and animals in the region.