Hikin' for Lichens
in the National Seashore

Sponsored by Harwich Conservation Trust and Wellfleet Conservation Trust, join naturalist Tom Walker to discover the world of local lichens while exploring Great Island in the Cape Cod National Seashore. Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed from the union of a fungus and an alga. They stabilize and add nutrients to our soils, provide shelter for invertebrates, and promote soil formation on bare rocks.

While lichens may be found all over the globe and in the harshest of conditions, they thrive in areas with clean air, high humidity, ample sunlight, and moderate temperatures. The constant sea breezes surrounding Cape Cod make it the ideal place to explore lichen diversity. With Tom as our guide, we’ll seek out these fascinating and beautiful organisms. 

Space is limited, so advance reservation is required.

Please note that this program includes moderate elevation gain and is recommended for more experienced hikers.

Dates:

• Saturday, June 1 (10 a.m. -12 p.m.)
• Saturday, June 8 (10 a.m. -12 p.m.)

Cost: $20 per person 

Driving directions to the starting point will be included with your reservation confirmation email.

To learn more about Wellfleet Conservation Trust, please click here to visit their website.

Tom Walker is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. He spent several seasons surveying wildlife on the west coast for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management prior to returning to New England. He has many natural history interests and has led walks and given presentations on lichens, fungi, trees, and dragonflies for several organizations.

Photos courtesy of Tom Walker.