November 2023
JDSF's climate makes it a hotbed of mushroom cataloging and collecting. Every year collectors from around the world come to the forest for the annual foray. The species richness of fungi seen in the 2022 foray was the fifth highest year on record in the past 30 years of the foray - 277 species of fungi (and allies). 
Marvelous Mushroom Picking at JDSF

Mushroom picking on Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF) has always been popular. With such a high diversity of species, including edible species like the Chanterelle, Porcini, Hedgehog, Coccora, Matsutake, and Candy Cap - to name just a few - it only makes sense that enthusiasts would come from far and wide to discover the bounty to be had on JDSF. The UC/CSU Academic Mendocino Mushroom Foray, popularized by the late Dr. Harry Thiers (San Francisco State University [SFSU]), has become an annual event on JDSF attended by undergraduate and graduate students in mycology, as well as local and regional mycophiles since the 1970s.
Beginning in the early 20th century, photographers deployed large, heavy cameras, armed with tripwires and flash powder to document a variety of species using film. Current camera technology allows the collecting of tens of thousands of photos across months of camera deployments.
RESEARCH: Wildlife Cameras and a Better Understanding of What is in the Woods

Last month, we learned about the fascinating use of wildfire cameras at JDSF, but the use of remote cameras to capture wildlife is not a new development. The history of ‘camera-trapping’ or using cameras to capture photographs of wildlife in their native habitats is surprisingly over 100 years old.
A photo from a prescribed pile burn at JDSF. Planned burns like this one are essential to reducing fuel in the forest. The prescribed fire window describes when conditions are most conducive to a safe and controllable burn environment. This can mean when temperatures are low, fuel moisture is high, and the risks can be most easily mitigated.
Pile Burning During the 'Goldilocks' Prescribed Fire Window at JDSF

Fall is pile burning season at Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Once early rains have wet the surrounding vegetation, and Mendocino County Air Quality has determined that smoke will properly disperse, it is time to start lighting piles. Due to the short 'Goldilocks' window between too-dry and too-wet, pile burning is an “all-hands-on-deck” activity. From foresters to environmental scientists, forestry aids to outreach specialists, everyone at JDSF is out in the woods.
Carbon sequestration and storage are both important elements of the redwood ecosystem as well as management of the forest at JDSF. Demonstrating a resilient forest requires understanding the different functions of both the sequestration and storage of carbon.
Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Storage at JDSF 

What is the difference between carbon storage and carbon sequestration and how do these two activities play out at JDSF? JDSF is a valuable resource when it comes to both the storage and sequestration of carbon and the forest’s management is well poised to lead the way for the rest of the state on balancing natural resource management needs while conserving ecosystems. JDSF manages to foster both higher carbon storage (old growth and Older Forest Structure Zone) and carbon sequestration with vigorously growing stands created through periodic harvests.
NEWS:
Attention Young Artists and Tree Lovers - The 2024 California Arbor Week Youth Poster Contest is Here!

California youth ages 5 -12 are invited to creatively share their love and knowledge of trees in a piece of art. This year’s theme is “I ❤️ Trees Because…” We encourage students to think about all the wonderful ways trees improve our lives and communities and then share that in a poster. Winners will receive cash prizes, and their art will be shared via California ReLeaf and CAL FIRE during California Arbor Week (March 7 -14, 2024)! Entries are due by February 12, 2024.