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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 10, 2013)
IT’S ABOUT TIME BY D AV I D WA G N E R T FISHNET LICHEN, RAMALINA MENZIESII. he chanterelle season got a bountiful start this year. A dry summer favors high production in this mushroom. Then rains followed by a warm spell made the first flush not only plentiful but with wonderful shape and form. In our culture, Halloween is the gateway to winter, time of wet, cold days and long nights. Humans have a tendency to get glum during our rainy season, cowering inside until the spring equinox. Most of our forest trees, evergreen conifers, find winter a wonderful time. With plenty of moisture to keep stomates open, they photosynthesize at a steady rate all winter. Deciduous broadleaf trees miss out on this winter activity because without leaves they can not photosynthesize. The mosses on now lighted branches dance with delight, awakened from their summer desiccation dormancy. Extra light and moisture makes their green become brighter as new Wall to Wall City-biking Gear City bikes, packs, baskets, bells, bright lights, all-weather gear, helmets, locks, reflectives, fenders, city tires, mirrors… growth appears at the tips of their stems. Lichens dominate the outer parts of oak or ash branches. Like mosses, this is the start of their main growing season. Lichens come in more colors than mosses. Not seen are the dyes that can be made from lichens with proper fermentation: hidden, nascent colors for weavers. The growth form of lichens is more varied than mosses. All mosses have tiny stems with tiny leaves. Lichens form ribbons, tubes, bushes and swags. Someone walking along the riverbank path at Mount Pisgah will see long, pendulous lichens that look like Spanish moss. These are fishnet lichens, a nice Halloween sight. David Wagner is a botanist who has lived in Eugene for more than 30 years. He teaches moss classes and leads nature walks. He may be reached at fern- zenmosses@me.com WHICH PURCHASE COULD BE ON US? Cargo Bike Rally/Disaster Relief Event Oct.12 – see facebook.com/arriving.by.bike ÓÇäxÊ7>iÌÌiÊ-ÌÊUÊx{£°{n{°x{£ä qÀÊ££qÇ]Ê->ÌÊ£äqÈ]Ê-ÕÊ£Óqx C elebrating the Bounty of Oregon E h Friday Each F id in i October, O b SweetWaters S W on the h River Ri will ill be b showcasing the culinary harvest of Oregon. Enjoy locally raised meats, produce, seafood from the Oregon Coast, and desserts blended with regional flavors. ANY OF THEM. We will cover one randomly selected Northwest Visa Card transaction each week, up to $500 value. Will you be this week’s lucky member? Harvest Buffet Every Friday in October 5:30 – 9:30 pm Adults $29.95 Children 5-12 $ 15.00 www.nwcu.com Call now for reservations Check Facebook for the latest winners. 541-743-1000 Offer ends 12/31/13. All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice and may vary based on creditworthiness. Visit our website for more information on rates, fees, and other cost information, as applicable. If you would like to enter to win up to $500 without opening or using a credit card account with us, please fi ll out a 3x5 card with your information and drop it off at the nearest Northwest Community Credit Union branch. Or scan the QR to find us on OpenTable eugeneweekly.com • October 10, 2013 9
