Lichens Up Close with Laura Boggess

Lichens Up Close: Learning to See, Name, and Appreciate a Hidden World with Laura Boggess

MEET AT ABG VISITOR CENTER (indoor & outdoor class)

Lichens are often unnoticed, but they are all around us—on rocks, trees, soil, even mailboxes. This hands-on class will introduce you to the fascinating biology and ecology of lichens, with a focus on learning how to observe, appreciate, and begin identifying common species. We’ll start indoors with a short introduction (with photos and a list of five lichens you may not know you already know!), then head outside for a slow, accessible walk through the garden to practice noticing and recognizing lichens in their habitats. The class will conclude with close observation of a lichen of your choice, learning key features used in identification. Bring your own hand lens if you have one or we'll have a few to pass around.

Laura Boggess is an ecologist and lichenologist whose research focuses on lichen communities in forests and cliff systems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. She studies how disturbance, environmental conditions, and habitat diversity shape lichen communities, and she is passionate about helping people slow down and learn to see the often-overlooked organisms around them. Laura teaches ecology and environmental science at Mars Hill University and regularly leads public lichen walks and workshops throughout western North Carolina.

COST: $25 for non-members, 25% OFF FOR ABG MEMBERS

CLASS SIZE : 20

**ABG MEMBERS: to apply your member discount, enter the DISCOUNT CODE: CLASSES25 at the checkout page. **