Lichens of New England

Join Kay Hurley, author of Lichenpedia, for a day devoted to the fascinating world of these composite organisms. Learn about the lichen life cycle, their role in the ecosystem, and how to identify the different groups of these common, but often overlooked, symbiotic communal beings. We’ll start indoors, then head outside to explore the Harris Center grounds, practice our skills, and document nearby lichen diversity. This class is suited for people with all levels of lichen knowledge, from beginners to experienced lichen lookers.

Kay Hurley is an avid naturalist who has studied lichens for 20 years. Her new book, Lichenpedia, is a collection of lichen stories. Kay has worked on the lichen team of many BioBlitzes, though her interests also extend to animalcules, soil microbes, and diatoms: tiny things, the underdogs, and the overlooked.