What Everyone Should Know About Lichens

surroundings. The US Forest Service has used lichens to monitor forest health and pollution. Lichens, along with bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and algae, are currently being studied for their contribution to soil conditioning and stability in rangeland areas. Lichens, as symbiotic organisms, play a major role in nitrogen and carbon fixation as well as mineral cycling. The ecological study of lichens is becoming more essential in our understanding of how to manage terrestrial ecosystems.
Lichens also produce chemicals that were used for centuries as medicines, dyes, and perfumes. Common lichens will be presented and discussed to facilitate our understanding of what they can tell us about the health of our environment and how they are used as indicators of clean air.
 Dr. Katherine Glew has researched lichens in Norway, the Russian Far East, and Japan. In Washington State she collected lichens extensively in the San Juan Islands, Elwha River system and alpine habitats focusing on marine and terrestrial lichens. Katherine will share her knowledge of lichens, explain what they are and how they grow.
 Katherine has a PhD in biology from the University of Washington. Her research focused on alpine lichen communities in the northeast Olympics and North Cascade Mountains. She is the Associate Curator of the lichen collection at the University of Washington. She teaches lichen workshops throughout Washington and offers presentations on lichens. Katherine has a M.Ed. from the University of Washington, teaching in public schools and universities for over 40 years.
Refreshments, Public Invited, Admission is free. Donations are appreciated!