When this video clip was posted to social media by one of our TerraCorps members, it was received with mixed reactions. Responses ranged from “so cool!” to “that’s definitely a trap and releasing poison.” Most people just wanted to know “what is coming out of them?” and “is that a type of fungi?” and “DOES IT SMELL?”
These alien-looking pods are actually a type of mushroom called Lycoperdon pyriforme or “stump puffball.” The name is not misleading –- stump puffballs grow on dead or decaying tree stumps in large clusters of dozens or sometimes hundreds.
Stump puffballs start out as regular-looking mushrooms but in the fall and early winter they transform into hollow, spore-filled air sacs. The green “dust” you see in the video are millions of tiny spores exploding out of a small hole in the mushroom top.
Aside from being poked and prodded by curious humans, these spores are released by natural forces like rain or animals.
The word pyriforme is Greek for “pear-shaped.” However, the origin of Lycoperdon is debated among researchers. Some believe Lyco comes from lýkos meaning wolf and pérdomai meaning “break wind,” aka the “wolf-fart” mushroom. Others believe it was incorrectly translated from its original Leuco-perdon meaning white puff.
Regardless of the Greek roots, the “wolf-fart,” nickname is a misnomer. These spores do not actually smell. However, you certainly do not want to inhale them as it could cause respiratory problems.
Have you ever encountered Lycoperdon pyriforme? We’d love to hear about your stump puffball finds in the comments below!
In recent years, the transportation sector has surpassed power plants as the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the US. The low cost of fuel, American’s desire for bigger vehicles, and continued sprawling development that requires more individuals rely on automobiles to move around has driven a steady uptick in vehicle emissions.
This makes the transition to an electric or hybrid vehicle one of the more effective things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re among the 83% of Americans who drive regularly, it’s now easier than ever to switch to electric and hybrid vehicles that emit roughly a quarter as much CO2 as gasoline powered vehicles.
Plugged In Electric Vehicle Charging via Noya Fields/Flickr Creative Commons 2.0
Why make the change?
Unlike traditional vehicles, electric vehicles
do not release any exhaust emissions when driven. This means that they not only
reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, they also eliminate dangerous air
pollution that causes smog and other health and ecological risks.
Even better, drivers can cut their emissions down to zero by charging electric or hybrid vehicles through renewable energy such as solar, wind, or hydropower. That’s why Mass Audubon now provides electric vehicle charging stations at many of our sanctuaries across the state, all powered by renewable sources. It’s also why we support An Act to Secure a Clean Energy Future, which sets zero-emissions standards for state-owned or leased vehicles.
Electric vehicles are also more reliable and cheaper to maintain than traditional vehicles. If that’s not reason enough, when you purchase a new electric vehicle you can receive up to a $7,500 tax credit from the federal government, and for those purchasing before September 30, 2019, an additional $1,500 rebate from the state of Massachusetts.
How else can I help?
Not everyone can switch to an electric or
hybrid vehicle today, but fortunately there is still much you can do to fight
climate change during your daily travels. Carpooling or taking public transit instead
of driving even a few times a month can reduce your carbon footprint. Walking
or biking shorter distances when possible can help to eliminate it entirely.
Working from home once or twice a week can also
go a long way towards a greener future, with telecommuters in 2017 preventing 3 million tons of greenhouse
gas emissions from entering the atmosphere. If you do use a traditional car,
properly inflating your tires, driving slower, and avoiding idling can save on
both emissions and expenditure at the gas pump.
