Through the Loupe: Lichen & Moss

You’ve seen those curious patches of green, blue, and yellow filling sidewalk cracks and plastered on trees, but have you ever leaned in for a closer look? Mosses and lichens are everywhere, from cities to old-growth forests, but they remain overlooked and understudied. They are tiny, their features almost microscopic, but they can tell us big stories about our ecosystems–as big as the role they play in shaping them. On this walk, we’ll learn some of those stories, along with the biology, ecology, and identification of common NJ species. So grab a hand lens and shrink down with us to explore the fascinating mini-worlds of lichen and moss! Perfect for beginners!

Program Preparation

Please dress for the forecasted weather and bring water and anything else you may need. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to travel about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class. Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class.

Program Guidelines

Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.

We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.