Lichens are essential to healthy ecosystems and can be found in nearly every habitat across the northwest. But what are they? What do they do? Why are they important? Join Dr. Hannah Prather and Katie Riley on an exploration of lichens within the Back 5 Community Habitat Enhancement Project. This rain or shine event will include indoor classroom time getting the 101 on lichens, and outdoor time searching for and collecting lichens. This event is open to all ages and will be a fascinating look into ancient organisms. We’ll provide field microscopes, magnifying glasses, and some field guides.
Please dress for the weather with boots, and layers. You are welcome to bring your own magnifying glasses or field guides. The Back 5 is a wild, habitat restoration area with uneven trails, steps, slopes, and muddy pathways. The outdoor portion is not ADA accessible, but there are portions that will be. If you would like to discuss accommodations or accessibility for this event, please contact
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Guide bios:
Dr. Hannah Prather is a Visiting Scholar of Biology at Reed College. Her research has focused on the intricate relationship among lichens, bryophytes, host trees, and the surrounding ecosystem, all set against the backdrop of climate change and urbanization. She’s conducted fieldwork spanning Oregon, urban forests, and Antarctica.
Katie Riley is a senior Environmental Biology major at Reed College. She studied wildlife management in Tanzania, focusing on invasive plant control, and spent this past summer at Leach Botanical Garden researching lichens and the effects of ivy removal on tree canopy epiphytes.
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