Looking at Local Mushrooms

by Lizzie Higgins, PHLT Summer Intern

Although the amount of rain this summer was not the best for outdoor fun, local fungi are now flourishing with the extra moisture. While some of these mushrooms might be safe to eat, it’s important to be absolutely certain of what you’re foraging. Many mushrooms look very similar to the untrained eye, and missing crucial differences could be a fatal mistake. An example of this is the safe meadow mushroom versus the “destroying angel” that causes organ failure.

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There are some differences in structure and gill colors between these species, but ultimately you should never consume a mushroom you are not completely sure about without a professional mycologist or local expert present. The added flavor that could be gained from a meadow mushroom is not worth the likely fatal consequences of accidentally eating a destroying angel. For most mushrooms, the safest way to appreciate wild fungi is to simply observe it and admire it without attempting to make it part of your next meal.

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  Chicken of the woods Fungus

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  Jack o' lantern Mushrooms

An edible fungus that has no true look-alikes is chicken of the woods (but it can still be tough to identify for a first-time forager).Although the mushrooms themselves are completely safe to eat, it is best to harvest them from hardwood trees like oak, chestnut, and maple since groups growing on conifer trees (pine, fir, hemlock, etc.) can absorb toxins from the trees that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. If you have some mushrooms that are definitely safe to eat, it is best to eat a small amount first after cooking to be sure no allergies or other toxins are present.

There is another orange mushroom in NEPA that is toxic, however, the jack o’ lantern mushrooms.

They have some similarities to the chicken of the woods, so it is still important to be absolutely sure. While jack o’ lanterns are not usually fatal in healthy adults, they can cause great gastrointestinal discomfort for a few days. These mushrooms are interesting to observe, especially at night due to their bioluminescence.

PHLT’s preserves have all of these mushrooms and more, with Glen Run being a particularly good preserve for mushroom hunters. When the rain keeps you inside, be sure to go out to one of PHLT’s preserves the next day to see what you can find!

Sploot Season is Coming to an End

by Lizzie Higgins, PHLT Summer Intern

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“Sploot” as a term has risen in popularity to describe the position animals are often seen lounging in with their hind legs spread out behind them to stretch and maximize contact with the ground. Etymology experts aren’t entirely sure where the word, popularized by the Internet, originates but some speculate it could be a combination of “splay” and “cute.” As the Poconos heat up for the summer, splooting becomes more common among wildlife trying to cool off by pressing their belly to the cooler ground to diffuse some heat. The position may be familiar to those who own pets, as it’s also very common for dogs to relax and sploot in the heat or simply to stretch out their backs, just as humans would.

Splooting in any animal is nothing to be concerned about. Even if it’s not hot, some will still use it to stretch out their back and legs. In fact, if an animal suddenly stops splooting after regularly enjoying the position, it could be a sign of old age through decreased hip mobility. It will be more common to see animals in this position in hot weather, especially wild animals, as they use it to cool off and prevent overheating. The rising popularity of the Internet term has led to multiple declarations of “sploot season,” including one from the U.S. National Park Service recommended four-legged creatures to “sploot like nobody is watching.” Animals have long taken advantage of this position to maximize cooling off in the shade and it has gained trendiness among humans as well through the Internet.

Sanofi Steps Up Again

by Adam Haydt of Sanofi

Sanofi Volunteers stand in front of the Robert Mader Nature Preserve in June, 2026. Over 40 people helped maintain trail cleanliness and remove invasive plants from this recently opened public nature preserve.

Since 2022, over eighty Sanofi Swiftwater employees, contributing over 250 hours of volunteer time, have participated in supporting trail maintenance and invasive plant removal efforts at PHLT’s preserves.

This partnership reflects Sanofi's commitment to strengthening the communities where we live and work through Sanofi’s We Volunteer program, which gives every employee paid time to serve causes and communities they care about. For Sanofi colleagues at Swiftwater, PHLT has become a meaningful way to connect with neighbors, build team relationships, and give back to the Pocono Mountains region.

The partnership also directly advances Sanofi's environmental sustainability commitments. By removing invasive plants and maintaining trails at PHLT's preserves, Sanofi volunteers support habitat health and biodiversity in ecosystems near our Swiftwater facility.

These tangible, local environmental stewardship efforts complement Sanofi's broader climate and sustainability goals while enriching our local community. Now in its fifth year, the Sanofi–PHLT partnership demonstrates what happens when a company and nonprofit share a common purpose: healthier land, a stronger community, and a more sustainable future.