lichen
Coverage of lichen in the Nexus archive.
- Scientists volunteer their time to document biodiversity in the Smoky Mountains
Scientists and volunteers are documenting biodiversity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by tracking species like rare lichen, salamanders, and flowers. The group GRISLD, composed of retirees, contributes to an all-taxa inventory managed by Discover Life in America, focusing on hard-to-reach areas and species sensitive to environmental changes.
- ‘See the whole world in lichens,’ the marvels that grow anywhere
Over 1,000 lichen species grow in Washington, showcasing profound biological cooperation. The article highlights lichens as marvels that thrive anywhere, offering insights into ecological symbiosis.
- In the Smoky Mountains, a volunteer effort aims to document every species — before it’s too late
Volunteers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are documenting rare species like lichens and fungi through the Gang of Retirees in Search of Life’s Diversity (GRISLD) group. Their work supports the all taxa biodiversity inventory (ATBI) project, which tracks biodiversity amid climate change threats and funding cuts to federal monitoring programs.