Researchers aim to do post-wildfire studies in Smokies

Brandon Matheny, a mycologist at University of Tennessee documents a sample of Mycena, a type of fungus, at Twin Creeks Nature Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Saturday April 1, 2017. Matheny, along with UT mycologists Karen Hughes and Ron Petersen are studying two fungi in particular that come up only after fires.
Brandon Matheny, a mycologist at University of Tennessee documents a sample of Mycena, a type of fungus, at Twin Creeks Nature Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Saturday April 1, 2017. Matheny, along with UT mycologists Karen Hughes and Ron Petersen are studying two fungi in particular that come up only after fires.

Devastating Gatlinburg fires

GATLINBURG, Tenn. - Karen Hughes, on her knees with her face just about touching the ground, is observing a tiny orange fungus about the size of a pinhead.

"These are unique in that they come up only after fires," said Hughes, a University of Tennessee professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. "You don't see them any other time. Part of the reason is that, during normal conditions, they don't compete well with other fungi for food or space, but after a fire they have an opportunity and they will cover the ground like an orange blanket."

Many scientists are also trying to seize an opportunity.

Read more at our news partner's website, knoxnews.com.

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