Maritime forest is a beautiful anomaly in the Outer Banks.  Forests that are impacted by the ocean.  Nags Head Woods is one of the largest examples.  Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Nags Head Woods Preserve has over eight miles of hiking trails open to the public.  It’s a beautiful curveball to the classic beach experience.  Gone are the flip flops; say hello to the hiking boots!

Sandwiched between two massive sand dunes–Jockeys Ridge State Park to the south and Run Hill Recreation Area to the north–Nags Head Woods Preserve is geographically sheltered from salt spray and effects of the ocean.  Consequently, unique and rare forest has been allowed to grow.  Nags Head Woods was dedicated as a Natural National Landmark in 1974.

I go to Nags Head Woods to discover small things.  Like any forest, the themes are growth and decay.  On this particular day, I found an exceptionally beautiful patch of Turkey Tail mushrooms on a decaying log.  While I would consider my knowledge of mushrooms and fungi extremely lacking, I am interested and do hope to learn–and photograph–more over time.

Camera:  Nikon D810
Lens:  Nikkor 60mm micro f2.8 @ 60mm
Tripod:  Really Right Stuff TVC-33

Date taken:  January 14, 2020
Settings:  f11, 1/15 second, iso-250