Hiking New Melones’ Table Mountain Trail in Search of Mushrooms

Written by: Cindy Davenport

New Melones hikers hold the "Let's Move Outside" banner.On Saturday, April 16, 2016, New Melones Park Rangers led a group of eight hardy explorers between the ages of 35-65 on a hike along the Table Mountain trail in search of mushrooms. Several species were identified, and the parasitic and symbiotic relationships humans have with the fungi was discussed, along with the importance of mushrooms and the ways people can promote a healthy balance with the fungi. Several of the hikers then climbed the steep trail to the top of Table Mountain for grand views of New Melones Lake.

Mushrooms are not plants; as fungi, they’re actually more closely related to animals! They contain no chlorophyll and obtain nutrition from breaking down and “eating” dead plants, similar to a compost pile. Mushrooms are nutritious and a good source of B vitamins; they are also high in protein, low in fat, and a fresh pound has only 125 calories. Approximately 10,000 known mushroom varieties exist, half of which grow in the United States, and of those, about 100 are edible. But some mushrooms are poisonous and can sicken or even kill you, so if you're not absolutely 100 percent positive that a mushroom is safe, do not eat it!

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Park Rangers offer a variety of programs and activities including these coming up in May:

• “Capture Composition in 10 Ways” on Saturday, May 7 – Hikers will get pointers on taking pictures with their camera or cell phone during a moderate 4-mile hike along the Melones Branch of the Sierra Railway.

• “Horseshoe Bend Kayaking Excursion” on Sunday, May 15 – Participants will experience the beauty of New Melones from a unique perspective on this 4-hour paddling tour.

• “Dangerous Desperados Frisbee Golf” on Sunday, May 22 – Frisbee enthusiasts will learn about some of the men and women from the Wild West while playing a great game of Frisbee Golf on a 9-hole course set in the rambling oak woodlands of French Flat.

For information about Ranger-led activities, please call 209-536-9543 or 209-536-9094 ext. 221 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Published on April 29, 2016