Autumn is upon us here at Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. With it has come some cooler field days (thank goodness) and new goals to accomplish. It is the beginning of the end in terms of our seed collection efforts, and with mere weeks marking the end of my time with CLM, there’s lots of “T’s” to cross and “i’s” to dot. With this being my second to last blog, I have decided that all nostalgia and season recaps are to be reserved for October. However, I will remark that this month has definitely gone by the fastest.

Cooler/wetter days have not only been better for my spirit, but also for the fungi on the forest. There have been lots of adorable specimens to collect for identification and drying. I’ve even started a mini collection of the mushrooms I’ve found while surveying for plants, which I am very excited to continue and share!

My favorite task for this month was at our forest nursery in Couer d’Alene, Idaho, where we collected plant trait data on native species as part of a running project. It was there that we also dropped off our sizable seed collection for the season. It was very rewarding to reach this part of the process and see how everything came full circle. It definitely grew my appreciation for the restoration process to see people excited to receive our collection, and to know that there is still so much work that will continue after we leave. I’m leaving this week feeling refreshed and excited to fill our office space with even more seeds!

Obligatory cat update: Skateboard is doing great! There’s been a surprising lack of mischief on her end, though I’m sure she’ll make up for it in October.