The Worlds Largest Living Organism. Oregon's Blue Mountains hold a surprising candidate for the world largest living organism. The Honey Mushrooms that cause Armillaria root rot, have been discovered to be a massive mat of root-like mycelium. DNA testing has shown that the fungus is a single organism that covers 2,384 acres. The fungus is estimated to be 2,400 years old.
When Plates Collide. The San Andreas fault runs about 810 miles down the length of California. What creates this "fault" are two tectonic plates (what our continents and oceans sit on above the Earth's molten core) called the Pacific and North American plates. When these plates move against one another, earthquakes can happen. Now that's earth shattering!
A Pine Tree Named After Sugar? In the Big Bear area, we have a pine tree called the Sugar Pine. This tree produces the longest pine cones in the world that can grow up to two feet long! Naturalist John Muir is said to have preferred the sweet tasting sap to maple syrup, thus getting its name of Sugar Pine. Yum!
Why Do Leaves Change Color? Winter days are generally shorter and much dryer than the rest of the year. As fall approaches, many trees prepare for this by slowing or halting their food production. The green chlorophyll goes away. Without this overpowering green color the orange and yellow colors in the leaves shine through. Hence...fall colors!