Lichen Walk in Golden Gate Park | SF

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Is life feeling a bit tedious and dull these days? Do you feel a general sense ennui, angst, or other existential pain? Does it all seem to be a bit too much?

Most likely, the problem is that you’re not looking at enough lichens. Lichens are symbiotic organisms–fungi living with photosynthesizing partners–that are all around us. Lichens are beautiful, and they also play critical roles in ecosystems. As small organisms that are sensitive to fine-scale environmental conditions, lichens can be used as powerful ecological indicators. Once you begin to pay attention to lichens you can hear the stories they’re telling about the world around us.

Join Dr. Jesse Miller for a look at some of the diverse lichens of Golden Gate Park. We’ll learn to identify some common lichens, and also discuss their ecological roles. We’ll walk a mile or two, moving slowly and looking at the cool lichens around us. Everyone is welcome, but please leave your dogs at home. No previous experience with lichens is needed.

This event is free but donations to support your local lichenologist’s research will happily accepted. Private lichen and plant identification lessons are also available with the instructor.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.