A Woodland Walk in Early Autumn

Vibrant moss, ferns, and fungi dot the path with fallen leaves

Fall scenes from the Wisconsin Northwoods feature fungi of various types (two seen here), leaves, moss, and acorn caps. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2025

My husband and I share a walk in the woods near our house almost daily. It’s a serene place, full of leaf litter, moss, ferns, and fungi. I have him hooked on looking for fungi, whether I walk with him or not. And, if he sees something interesting, he’ll shoot me a photo if I’m not with him.

If I am walking with him on the trails, I often stop to take photos. Both he and our dog Molly have to wait while I get all of the various views of fungi and ferns.

Fungi and Ferns, two of my favorite things to photograph in the woods. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2025

With fungi, it’s important to get a view of the stipe (stem) and the underside, as well as the cap, for identification purposes. Since I don’t eat any of the fungi I photograph, a positive ID doesn’t really matter for edibility (because I’m not eating), but it does matter if I want to learn more about fungi…and I do!

Inkcaps, maybe? These were “new to us” on this September walk last week. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2025.

The inkcap (above)or Coprinopsis atramentaria species of mushroom is new to me. They looked slimy and had an…