The Forests of Lilliput: The Elfin World of Lichens and Mosses

For this walk, we will focus on the diminutive mosses and lichens. Expect to spend a lot of time bent over examining the subtle and often amazing features of these abundant but usually unnoticed organisms. We'll examine the basics of their lifecycles and structure, introducing some vocabulary along the way. Mostly avoiding hardcore identification, we'll look at their many adaptations for thriving in a world full of microhabitats in an attempt to understand their role in the larger ecosystem. Bring a hand lens if you have one, otherwise well provide a loaner. Cameras welcome. Ages 12 (accompanied by adult) and up. Please note: Program fee does not include site admission fee.

Jeff Pengel was trained as a botanist and geologist at The University of Akron. He worked briefly as a field geologist. Jeff is a former high school science teacher. He taught earth science and biology in an urban Cincinnati Ohio public school. Jeff also worked many seasons as an outdoor educator for Nature's Classroom in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Jeff now volunteers as a naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club at many of their facilities. He is also a Maine Master Naturalist instructor and actively volunteers for that program and at many Maine land trusts. Jeff also surveys rare plants for the New England Wildflower Society. He has taught the botany of non-flowering plants for many terms at several Maine Senior College locations.