About this Event
The organism known as a lichen represents an ancient and fascinating partnership between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, an alga and or cyanobacterium. In many species, yeasts also make an appearance, reminding us that there are many creative ways organisms collaborate to share resources.
To truly study lichens and liverworts, you need good habitat, magnification, and a robust diversity of species, and we have all three. Join us for an interactive learning experience that will sharpen your observation skills and guide you through the process of identifying some of our most common Pacific Northwest lichens and even a liverwort or two.
Not sure how to tell a lichen from a liverwort? We have you covered. Participants will learn the basics of the natural history of these organisms and practice recognizing key forms and patterns. One of the sharpest tools of the naturalist is honing pattern recognition skills, and these small, colorful, and fluffy (or crusty, or leafy!) species are perfect teachers.
Plus, they never run, or fly, or jump away!
THINGS TO KNOW
- This class is rain or shine, so please dress in layers and always bring a rain layer, gloves and hat at this time of year.
- If you have a jeweler's loupe, or magnifying hand lens please bring it with you. We have them to lend too.
- Due to the content and pace of this program, we are listing this as a youth & adults only class.
- Please remember our campus policy is 'no dogs unless they are a service animal.'
- We always cap off our hikes with a sweet treat of our homemade cookies too!
Your instructors for this session will be IslandWood's Senior Naturalist, Christina Woolf, and Community Education Assistant Shoopie Panholzer.
Christina is a Washington State Master Naturalist (WSU, 2024), Master Birder (Birds Connect Seattle/Seattle Audubon, 2011), WDFW Wetland Monitor (2014), Certified Beach Naturalist (2014), and Certified Interpretive Guide (National Association of Interpretation (2015), and has been joyfully teaching environmental education for over 25 years.
Christina has been studying under her bryologist mentor, Phoebe Goit, for over five years. Phoebe is one of western Washington's most knowledgeable scientists in macrolichens of the PNW.
Shoopie has been teaching outdoors since 2017, and recently completed her Masters in Education, with a focus on environmental education. She has taught all ages from 3 to 93. Her expertise is in California Oakwoodlands, however she has enjoyed getting to know the Pacific Northwest through her nature journal and incredible mentors.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Avenue Northeast, Bainbridge Island, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 17.85
