Lichen Event Calendar: January–February 2021
There are a lot of interesting lichen events coming up. Now that so many events are hosted online, you have an opportunity to participate from anywhere in the world.
EcoQuest Challenge: Locate Lichens
New York City EcoFlora
January 1–31
Free
EcoQuests, part of the NYC EcoFlora Project, challenge New Yorkers to become citizen scientists and observe, study and help conserve the native plants and animals of the City, using iNaturalist, an easy-to-use mobile App. Photograph as many Lichens in New York City as possible by January 31!
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/locate-lichen
NYC Lichens an Urban Experience
Dr. James Lendemer
Monday, January 11, 5:00–6:30 p.m. EST
Free
Lichens are fungi that abound in the world around us and have essential roles in the diverse biological communities in which they reside. But these fungi are highly sensitive to pollution and change. Garden scientist Dr. James Lendemer is leading efforts to document the diversity of lichens in eastern North America and collaborating with Dr. Jessica Allen and NYBG graduate student Jordan Hoffman to produce a field guide to their identification in cities of the Northeast. Dr. Lendemer’s Talk will tell the story of lichens in New York City, including widespread loss during industrialization and a resounding post-1970’s comeback.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b5BNRBXovdowN9r0CPmSSifsZIC3ldGC/view
Lichens, Biofilms, and Marble Monuments
Judy Jacob
Friday, February 5, 7:00 p.m.
$20 membership
Eroded marble surfaces teem with robust communities of algae, bacteria, and fungi. These communities are viewed variously as aesthetic disfigurements or enhancements. This presentation provides an overview of the surface ecology of marble and relationships between marble, lichens, biofilms, and weathering; it also will address the question of whether these communities contribute to the deterioration of marble or serve to protect it.
http://newyorkmyc.org/online-lectures-and-presentations-for-spring-summer-2020/
Lichens Identification: Virtual Workshop
Dr. Hannah Prather
Tuesday, February 23, 4:00–5:30 p.m. EST
$10–$20 sliding scale
Lichens are a fascinating and essential part of Pacific Northwest ecosystems. In this workshop, we will dive into the exciting world of lichens with biologist Dr. Hannah Prather. This workshop will cover the basics of what lichens are, the important functions they offer in an environment, and will introduce the beginnings of lichen identification.
https://www.hoytarboretum.org/events/lichens-identification-virtual-workshop/
Do you know of other upcoming virtual lichen events? Share them in the comments! 💚