February 2024
Mushroom collecting and cataloging has long been popular at JDSF. With such a high diversity of species, including edibles species like the Chanterelle, Porcini, Hedgehog, Coccora, Matsutake, 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. 
RESEARCH: Fungi in the Forest with Robert Douglas

This month, we take another trip into the forest with JDSF Biologist Robert Douglas, to learn more about an amazing fungus species. Xeromphalina, is commonly found at JDSF living in on dead tree debris. The fungus gets its carbon source from the dead wood. Click the play button above to learn more and make sure to subscribe to this newsletter for more episodes of Fungi in the Forest.
Expanding a day trip into a longer camping adventure is a great option for equestrian enthusiast local to JDSF and those traveling from further afield. Check out our horse riding routes article from the last edition of the JDSF Newsletter HERE.
RECREATION: Horse Camping at JDSF
 
JDSF serves as a cherished retreat for both locals and those traveling from further afield seeking outdoor adventure, whether on horseback, foot, or bike. With a main horse camp open to the public from late spring to early autumn, JDSF provides a tranquil haven where riders can rest and recharge amidst the serene beauty of nature. Learn more about the horse camping opportunities at JDSF by following the link below.
While JDSF has seen relatively low wildfire activity in recent decades, the ecosystem is still shaped by fire. New research proposed for the forest looks to provide researchers and landowners with opportunities to better understand how to bring restorative fire to long unburned, fire-dependent forests.
DEMONSTRATION: The Importance of Fire in the Redwood Ecosystem

As with most of the forested environments of California, fire plays a key role in the shaping and health of the coastal redwood ecosystem. This presentation, from the 2016 Coast Redwood Science Symposium takes a deep dive into the way that fire has shaped the coastal redwood ecosystem. Morgan Varner, now of Tall Timbers Research Station, was at the time employed by the US Forest Service. He explored the enigma of an ecosystem that is both a “rain forest” and “fire forest,” emphasizing Indigenous stewardship as the crucial factor.
 
This presentation, and the challenges it poses, was a key inspiration for the research questions driving the Pyro Sylvicultural Timber Harvest Plan, currently in development. Continued study is important in understanding and maintaining the health of forests like JDSF.
NEWS:
Next JAG Meeting Set for Thursday, March 7, 2024

The first of four Jackson Advisory Group (JAG) meetings in 2024 is scheduled for Thursday, March 7. Confirmed meeting dates and associated documents, including the agenda, will be posted a minimum of 10 days prior to the meeting on the Jackson Demonstration State Forest website. The mission of the JAG is to provide advice/recommendations to CAL FIRE and the Board of Forestry regarding issues relevant to the periodic review of the JDSF Management Plan required under Board policy, ongoing implementation issues, and policy matters relevant to JDSF.
Embracing the Spark of Curiosity Around Beneficial Fire

Embracing the 'spark' of curiosity around prescribed fires!? Let's talk about the hot topic of using prescribed fire to manage California’s beautiful landscapes.

Some folks might raise an eyebrow (like our friend in the video here) at using beneficial fire, but there is more to it than one may initially think. Prescribed fires are rejuvenating for ecosystems. It's all about maintaining balance, promoting biodiversity, and preventing more intense wildfires by reducing fuels.