Forest Beauties

Peter and his aunt, Ranger Akiko, are taking a walk through the forest, looking for mushrooms. Peter also wants to observe other living things on the forest floor. Akiko works in this forest and knows a lot about the plants and animals that live here.

Peter is excited to find the first mushroom. It has a large, bright red top with white spots.

It’s pretty, but it’s not a mushroom you can eat. Akiko explains that most of the fungi that grow in the forest are not safe for people to eat, although many of the forest creatures can eat them without getting sick.

All fungi help turn rotting plants into rich soil, where new plants will take root and grow.

Akiko and Peter walk for a while in silence, observing nature and enjoying the peaceful feeling surrounding them.

Squirrels play tag high overhead in the forest canopy. Birds are busy building their nests in the forest’s understory.

Just then, they spot some blueberry bushes. Peter runs to pick some ripe blueberries for later. Akiko sits nearby to watch the small forest animals hunting for food. She scans the forest floor and sees ferns, moss, and wildflowers.

Peter and Aunt Akiko continue to look for that special place where the golden mushrooms grow, buried under leaves.

Suddenly they see a thick layer of fallen leaves. Peter gets a stick and starts carefully lifting up piles of leaves until… they see the golden-colored treasures! The mushrooms have a flat top and a ruffled edge. They are the delicious chanterelle mushrooms Akiko and Peter are looking for.

After they observe all of the details of the chanterelle mushrooms and pick a few, they head back to Peter’s house. Peter had a great day observing the forest!