Lichen study
What is lichen?
Lichen is very cool! A lichen is a combination of algae and fungus living together. We are studying the lichen in Rock Creek’s Westside Forest – identifying and quantifying the lichen species in 10 areas of the forest. Each area studied is approximately 2 meters square, beginning at ground level and going up to a height of 5 feet.
The purpose of our ongoing study is to ultimately track the sensitive species of lichen. Lichens are excellent indicators of air quality. We hypothesize that the sensitive species will decline in number as the impacts of urban growth become apparent. We hope you enjoy viewing our photos and learning more about these interesting organisms.
Study map
These are the 10 areas of lichen study in the Westside forest.
Area 1
Locate at N 45º 34’ 03.9” W 122º 51’ 45.0” – which is at the SE corner of the forest.
Parmeliopsis hyperopta (70x)
Platismatia glauca – top view (70x)
Platismatia glauca (300x)
Parmeliopsis hyperopta (300x)
Platismatia glauca – bottom view (70x)
Not yet identified
Area 2
Locate at N 45º 34’ 07.3” W 122º 51’ 45.7” – which is halfway down the east side of the forest.
Cladonia bellidiflora
Ramalina farinacea
Area 3
Locate at N 45º 34’ 08.7” W 122º 51’ 47.1” – which is at the NE corner of the forest
Ramalina thrausta
Candelaria concolor (magnified)
Evernia prunastri
Hypogymnia metaphysodes
Hypogymnia physodes
Usnea lapponica
Hypogymnia tubulosa
Hypogymnia tubulosa (magnified)
Hypogymnia tubulosa (70x)
Hypogymnia tubulosa (150x)
Usnea pacificana
Usnea subserilis