North Carolina’s many forests and preserves make it a seamless effort to be in awe of nature and all that we encounter when exploring the deepest recesses of the Tar Heel State on foot. And while that’s a task that’s best enjoyed during the daylight hours, there’s a hidden secret to discover along those same paths after dark.

One of the things we love most about North Carolina is the ability to find a hiking trail worthy of adventure in any part of the state.
Google Local/Mike Hildebrand
On any given day, numerous parks, perserves, state parks, forests, and more are accessible for reconnecting with Mother Nature in a variety of ways. But for those who camp overnight or explore after dark, there's a hidden bonus... a glow-in-the-dark fungus that's found throughout many of North Carolina's forests.
Google Local/jim catalfamo
Once the sun fades and the lights go down, certain kinds of fungus found growing on trees can be seen glowing in the dark.
Wikipedia/lalalfdfa

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It's the same fungus we see during the day that takes on a whole new life after dark...
Google Local/Keith Kirkland
Currently, there are at least 75 species of this bioluminiscent fungi growing all around the world and a little more than 20 are found in North America. But what, exactly, makes them glow after dark?
Jeff sawkins / 500px Collection via Getty Images
Simply put, a couple of things happen to make the magic work: luciferin is emitted by the fungus and is then oxidized by another substance (luciferase) to create the glow.
Wikipedia/Noah Siegel (Amanita virosa)
Some scientists believe the glow is a reaction to the breakdown of chemicals in the wood on which the fungi are attached.
Wikipedia/Cas Liber - Cas Liber
Others believe the light is a natural attempt to attract insects and other grazers so they'll spread the fungi spores.

If you’ve ever explored a campground or a trail after dark, have you encountered any glow-in-the-dark fungus? We’d love to know!

Know of another oddball nature-related phenom in North Carolina that we should feature here? Give us a heads up at this link!

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