THE ENCHANTED NATURE NEWSLETTER
Issue 42
September 2024
Greetings Enchanted Nature Community
We hope that you're finding the time to be enchanted by nature. Enjoy our latest issue of
The Enchanted Nature Newsletter.
Droughts and Floods
"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Good Day Enchanted Nature Community,
Other than time and money, most things in this world can at times, be too much. We send light to all of those that have suffered loss and are displaced due to the horrific damage Hurricane Helene unleashed on the southeast. Here in the Shenandoah Valley, we went from extreme drought conditions to flooding within a very short amount of time. Nature, like humanity, is fragile but resilient. It is strong yet delicate, capable of withstanding immense pressures while still being vulnerable to the slightest change. Just as we adapt to life's challenges, nature finds ways to heal and rejuvenate itself, often in the most unexpected ways. Each season brings a cycle of renewal, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is beauty in rebirth.
From Our Readers
We appreciate your contributions!
Your photos make The Enchanted Nature Newsletter
more interesting for the entire community.
If any of you see anything enchanting in nature, take a picture and please send it along.
Eileen Feim shared some fantastic fungal pics this month.
Above we have a mushroom from the Agaricus genus.
One thing that makes this mushroom so lovely is the large annulus hanging from the stipe.
Which exact species this mushroom is would require a closer inspection.
Below we find a substantial Calvatia gigantea, commonly called Giant Puffball.
Below , Jeanne Hoffman captured some mushrooms laying down on the job
that appear to be in the Coprinus genus.
Standing like a sentinel in the background, we see a
Stropharia rugosoannulata, commonly called Wine Cap mushrooms.
A new contributor, Zach Roberts supplied some stunning photos.
Below we see some beautiful Chicken of the Woods
Above we see Marasmius capillaris. We know that there are Oak trees nearby because this fungus lives on decaying Oak leaves. What a great shot Zach! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your submissions!
Remember, if you can't get enough fungal fun,
Check out the articles at the
Please send us your pics and queries:
adventures@enchantednaturetours.com
You can also text your pics & questions to (540) 324-8778.
From The Writers
As we mentioned, our region has been contending with many days of heavy rain and it continues.
While it is inconvenient for getting work outdoors done, it can produce some very sizable mushrooms.
Above: Giant Puffballs
Thanks to our friends Jack and Mary Wilson seeing this mushroom,
we harvested a very large
Cerioporus squamosus, commonly called Dryad's Saddle.
A Dryad is a tree spirit in Greek mythology.
The shape does resemble a saddle.
Thank you Jack and Mary. Climbing a ladder in a downpour
to get a mushroom for the upcoming
is just one of many interesting adventures we've had with you!
Mushrooms As Medicine: Shiitake Mushrooms
By: Victoria Vacher
This post is the the fourth in a series of articles concerning functional/medicinal mushrooms. If you missed last month's newsletter, you can find it here: August Newsletter.
Lentinula edodes, also know as Shiitake mushrooms are widely regarded for their medicinal, nutritional, and culinary benefits.
In traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, shiitake mushrooms have been used for centuries to boost immunity and promote overall health. Modern research supports these uses, showing that compounds in shiitake, such as lentinan and beta-glucans, help stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and even have anti-cancer properties. Lentinan, in particular, has been studied for its potential role in fighting cancer by enhancing the body's immune response. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms are known to contain eritadenine, a compound that supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.
Nutritionally, shiitake mushrooms are a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals. They are rich in B vitamins, which play a critical role in energy production and brain function, and they provide significant amounts of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV light. Shiitake mushrooms are also a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support digestive health. They contain minerals like copper, selenium, and zinc, all of which contribute to immune function, skin health, and overall vitality. For those looking for a plant-based source of protein, shiitake mushrooms offer a modest but valuable amount, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Culinarily, shiitake mushrooms are prized for their robust, umami-rich flavor and versatility in a wide range of dishes. Their meaty texture makes them an ideal substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan recipes. They can be enjoyed in various forms—dried, sautéed, grilled, or added to soups and stews. The earthy and savory profile of shiitakes enhances everything from stir-fries and ramen to risottos and pasta. When dried, they intensify in flavor and can be rehydrated for use in broths and sauces, adding depth and richness to culinary creations.
Overall, shiitake mushrooms offer a unique combination of medicinal and nutritional benefits along with exceptional flavor, making them a valuable addition to both the kitchen and the medicine cabinet. Their versatility and health-promoting properties ensure they remain a staple in both traditional and modern cuisines around the world.
If you're in the area of Churchville, VA, you can regularly find Shiitake at The Necessary Mercantile.
For further information and research, there are plenty of medical studies listed on The National Institute of Health website.
Here at Enchanted Nature we are excited to be the first and only company in Virginia
approved to create mushroom extracts for retail sales. You can find them for sale on our Trading Post page.
Enchanted Nature News
CALLING ALL MYCOPHILES
There will be a one day mushroom festival happening on
Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10am-5pm.
You and your loved ones are warmly invited to
experience the wonders of mushrooms and community spirit at:
The Enchanted Mushroom Festival
"The Virginia Mushroom Festival".
Click the logo above for more info.
We are seeking vendors, food trucks, volunteers, donations, and entertainers.
If you are interested in being part of the festival, please contact us.
Enchanted Nature Mushroom Extracts Are Now Available.
Our extracts can be purchased at:
You can also order online through our Trading Post
It's always mushroom season:
Our next mushroom class will be held on
Sunday, November 10, 11-3 at The Necessary Mercantile.
If you have any nature, gardening, or horticultural questions or comments, feel free to send them to adventures@enchantednaturetours.com
Water Is Life
Without water, all life fails to exist.
While it is inconvenient and sometimes destructive,
it falls from the sky and nourishes the earth, sustaining ecosystems,
replenishing rivers, and ensuring that plants, animals
and humans alike can thrive.
Findings reported in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, suggest that keeping a few snapshots of greenery around yourself might be beneficial. When participants viewed the natural images in the experiment, their stress levels lowered, thanks to the activation of their parasympathetic nervous system – which controls certain rest functions. "Viewing green scenes may thus be particularly effective in supporting relaxation and recovery after experiencing a stressful period and thereby could serve as an opportunity for micro-restorative experiences and a promising tool in preventing chronic stress and stress-related diseases." Take a deep breath, hold it, and let it out slowly as you relax.
If you're ready to explore the forest,
come out for an adventure with us
NATURE IS CALLING, WILL YOU ANSWER
There are many proven health benefits to spending time in nature. It has also been proven that just looking at images of nature can provide multiple health benefits including: reducing depression, speeding healing, improving your immune system, preventing dementia, improving your mood, and increasing happiness. We plan on ending each newsletter with a short video of a natural scene. Hopefully the videos will provide you with some of the benefits listed above.
Stay safe and enjoy nature
If you haven't taken the time to explore our website, please do.
There are a lot of free educational resources to enjoy
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