Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed from the union of fungi and algae. They stabilize and add nutrients to our soils, provide nesting material for birds, shelter for invertebrates, and promote soil formation on bare rock. While they may be found all over the world and in the harshest conditions, they are vulnerable in areas with poor air quality. Alternatively, they thrive in areas with low pollution, high humidity and moderate temperatures. Cape Cod's constant sea breezes create the ideal conditions for lichen abundance and diversity. Join naturalist Tom Walker as we explore the great variety of lichens in our local dune forests.
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About Tom Walker
Tom Walker is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. He spent several seasons surveying wildlife on the west coast for the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management prior to returning to New England. He has many natural history interests and has led walks and given presentations on lichens, fungi, trees and dragonflies for Upper Cape Naturalists Club, Brewster Conservation Trust, Harwich Conservation Trust and Barnstable Land Trust.
