February 2025

Color Your Way Through the Wonderful World of JDSF's Mushrooms

Damp winter weather has meant that mushroom season has been in full effect at JDSF in recent weeks!  Did you know, many edible mushrooms are ectomycorrhizal, meaning they form symbiotic relationships with trees or plants through their hyphae, exchanging water and nutrients for sugars. Mushrooms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and carbon management in our forests.  

In celebration of JDSF’s fantastic fungi check out this amazing JDSF Mushroom Coloring Page. Share a photo of your best JDSF Coloring Page efforts with us on our Facebook Page.

JDSF Staff at the Historic January Southern California Wildfires



During the Palisades and Eaton wildfires many JDSF staff went down to the Los Angeles area to use their natural resources skills to help with pre, during, and post wildfire effects. Here’s a quick rundown of their assigned duties while at the incidents. 

Check out the wide variety of assignments JDSF Staff performed.

JDSF Environmental Scientist, Caitlin Grace Recognised for International Women in Science Day



Earlier this month, CAL FIRE highlighted one of JDSF’s Environmental Scientists to celebrate International Women in Science Day! Caitlin Grace is a UC Berkeley graduate in Conservation and Resource Studies. She conducts critical research on fire effects, redwood regeneration, and biodiversity—recently discovering a potentially undescribed Waxy Cap mushroom! Her work bridges science and public education, participating in public tours of the forest while also engaging in activities like prescribed fire and essential trail maintenance. CAL FIRE is happy to recognize all the women working in STEM careers within the department. 

Walk and Bike Mendocino Feature Ca Sil Xale Dah Trail 



The 3.3-mile Ca Sil Xale Dah Trail near Caspar, California offers a scenic and easy route, perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. This trail, which takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete, features recent upgrades including a new sign, picnic area, and connections to the Cypress Loop through Pygmy and redwood forests. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and visitors can enjoy the trail year-round. Additionally, the nearby Camp One Loop trail has been cleared of hazards following prescribed burns and logging, thanks to the efforts of the California Conservation Corps.