Habitat: The core of a softwood tree that was chain-sawed on the trail.

This orange-colored mold is a species of slime mold that lives naturally in the wild. While it makes its habitat on plants such as this tree, it is not viewed as wholly parasitic, because it preys on dead, rather than living, matter. As such, it is an active decomposer, surviving on the bacteria of the dead tree. It also is not dangerous to humans. This orange mold thrives in humid areas (perhaps that is why it faced the Raquette River nearby) but becomes hard and crusty in cool, drier months. It sure did not feel very soft to me!

The vivid colors, not only of the orange mold but also of its green neighbor, help bring a beauty to the idea of decomposition, which is normally associated with ugliness and shades of brown. I also like how the snow is just barely dusting the tree.