Learn about Lichen

Date: Thursday, March 5
Time: 10am – 11:30am
Location: Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd, Hamilton

Sponsors: Iroquoia-Bruce Trail, Hamilton Conservation Authority, Hamilton Aging in Community

Walk Type: Gentle pace over mostly flat grass or snow-covered area. 2-3 km.

Join Carolyn Zanchetta, HNC Stewardship & Education Coordinator on a gentle walk around Hamilton Cemetery. Discover the unique world of lichen and what it can tell us about air quality. Often undetected and unassuming, lichen can be found growing anywhere. Throughout Hamilton we can see crustose lichen coating park benches, colourful foliose lichen peeling up off tree trunks, squamulose lichen at the base of an old tree, or even fruiticose lichen stretching off the branches. As they are sensitive to pollutants, they can also tell us a lot about the air quality where they grow, or simply by their presence or absence. We’ll look for these often overlooked organisms on Hamilton Cemetery stones and trees.

Meet at Dundurn Castle parking lot by the stop lights at far end.  Bring snacks and water and dress warm as we’ll be making several stops to look at lichen.  Might be some mud or icy so wear good boots and bring icers and poles if you have them.  Optional stop after for coffee.

Contact:  Bron at [email protected] or 905-334-4013 (with text for day of hike) for more information. Cancelled in inclement weather.