Lichen or Not?
Lichen is a type of living thing that can live in almost any place on the earth. They are not plants, animals, fungus, but something else with both algae and fungus together. They need the air, little water, a few minerals — all of which they get from the air.
Lichens also need a tree, rock, building, or other thing to grow on. They produce their own energy from the sun through photosynthesis. Lichens have three shapes or growth forms, and they can live a very long time — some are over 1,000 years old. You can find them in neighborhood, parks, forests, but also in schoolyard, parking lots, and cities.
Because all the water and most of everything they need to survive comes from the air, lichen can be damaged by air pollution. Because they live for a very long time, they can be used in citizen science projects. These activities will help you learn about lichens and collect data about lichens in North Carolina.
DAQ Lichen Lessons:
To get started watch, “How To Find a Lichen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmvZrwYY9GQ&t=7s
Lichen or Not: Introduction to Lichens (K-5)
A Little Bit About Lichens (MS)
Once you have found a lichen, take a picture and record Lichen Data here: https://arcg.is/1aSiCH1
To see other places people have found lichens, visit the Lichen Map here: https://ncdenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/7f6fe319f2b3407bbcaf7d5f49401644
Lichen Data Sheet
Additional Resources
- Air Quality Basics and a Little about Lichens (Handout)
- Air Quality Basics and a Little about Lichens (Brochure)