Forests of Lilliput: The Miniature World of Lichens & Mosses

Join Maine Master Naturalist instructor Jeff Pengel, who will focus on the diminutive lichens, mosses, and similar plants. While these organisms often go unnoticed, they occur in surprising abundance, especially in Maine. We'll examine the basics of their life cycles and structure, introducing some vocabulary along the way. Avoiding hardcore identification and terminology, we will 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 we’ll provide a loaner.

About the Presenter

Jeff Pengel was trained as a geologist and botanist and holds degrees in Natural Science and Secondary Education. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide, a Maine Master Naturalist instructor, and an Appalachian Mountain Club volunteer naturalist trainer. Jeff has worked as a geologist, high school science teacher, outdoor educator, and park ranger but has spent most of his career in IT and project management.