Lichens are unusual organisms which consist of at least two kinds of living things: fungi and algae, living in a mutually supportive partnership to exist and thrive in some of the harshest places and habitats. Often noticed after rain, when lichens’ green colors brighten extensively they are found on trees, rocks, stone walls, gravestones, sand, soil, and many other habitats. There are at least 1,000 species in our area, many of which specialize in where they will grow. We will combine indoor work with lichen specimens with occasional walks to observe lichens in their natural settings around the sanctuary when the winter weather allows.
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Choiniere is a lifelong naturalist with a B.S. in Natural History from UMass/Amherst. He has worked for Mass Audubon since 1975 and taught hundreds of natural history classes and workshops and has been an instructor for Fitchburg State University ALFA series (similar to WISE), teaching workshops on nature study. He is an instructor in Mass Audubon’s Naturalist Certificate Program.
NO REQUIRED BOOKS
Worcester Institute for Senior Education (WISE) Assumption College, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester MA 01609 508-767-7513 wise@assumption.edu
