I'm lichen your essay on lichens, dear Susan. As a total non-scientist, I know virtually nothing about lichens. But you have definitely stirred my curiosity. I shall henceforth look at them in a whole new light, while not blocking their access to light, of course. Thank you so much for opening up this world for me.
Lichens are a whole world in themselves. Just the fact that you have recognized how much more vivid their color becomes after they get a drink from rain and fog is a lovely bit of observation and understanding. You already have a portal into their lives.
Like you, for me they are always a welcomed splash of winter color. Mostly, I am in awe of their ability to exist in such harshness, where they hide their unique lives and relationships. Knowing how special they are makes me reluctant to even walk on them unless necessary, to take time to stop and marvel, and to never dig the rocks up to bring home..past experience has shown me that, even when watered, their condition and color always fade.
Like you, I am careful to not disturb lichens on the soil, and to not "transplant" their rocks. Part of the reason the lichens fade when their rocks or whatever they are growing on is moved is that the lichen growth is in response to the environmental conditions of each particular spot. Lichens depend on wind and rain to bring not just moisture, but also airborne nutrients. So even if you place the rock or dead branch the lichen is on in the same solar orientation as it was originally (facing east, for instance), they may not get air currents bearing the same nutrients. And even if you water the lichens, that water may not carry the same kinds of organic molecules dissolved in it as the precipitation where they lived previously.
That is an excellent way to put it, Jill: it does take a certain stillness to really see lichens' lives. As a botanist, they are not in my wheelhouse because they're not plants, but they are such fascinating lives that I love to learn about them.
My first efforts to understand lichens (they seem to speak in hushed tones) was in wood repair and replacement in damp, stagnant crawlspaces of homes in my area. North Florida. I spoke with a scientist involved in setting grading standards exclusively for Southern Yellow Pine. I asked at what stage the fungus, Aspergillus Versicolor, began damaging a structural member of a pine floor system. Reply: Before it is visible to the naked eye. Adding, by then the wood has lost about 50% of its structural value. I failed to learn of potential impacts on my health. I would inspect crawlspaces for visible fungus - often in brilliant colors - with zero breathing protection. As I learned more about fungus I used a dual cartridge respirator in enclosed spaces.
Outdoors, now, I marvel at the presence of so many fungi just in our small area of woods in the community’s common space. As if we’re bonded! No doubt in part to my breathing of bio aerosols not so long ago.
And, yes, delighted and informed by your scientific focus on our living environments.
I'm glad that you learned to use a respirator in those crawlspaces. Breathing concentrated fungal spores is definitely a very bad idea. In North Florida, you would have loads of visible fungi, plus the soil beneath your feet is threaded with their hyphae. If you want to learn more about these amazing organisms and their contributions to global ecology, you might want to pick up a copy of Merlin Sheldrake's astonishing book, Entangled Life. https://www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life
That is true! There's a great TH White quote about that in The Once and Future King, where he has Merlin talking about the importance of learning in keeping us living.
I thought of you when this podcast interview dropped this morning, in part because of the section when we talked about caregiving. You might appreciate the whole thing whenever you have a half-hour to listen. Hugs! https://www.breathingwind.com/episodes-5/94
Thanks so much Susan. I began listening and will finish when I have more time this evening. It is a beautiful and heartful podcast and the hosts are certainly welcoming. "Breathing Wind"...puts me in a liminal space, in body and mind.
I think Naila and Sarah are wonderful podcast hosts and human beings. I hope that when you get to finish listening, it leaves you with the gift of feeling community and support.
A quick comment, Janisse. I knew you when I lived in Sunrise Community, mid eighties to late nineties. I remember your interest and efforts to establish wildlife corridors connecting Florida to Georgia. Glad to see your name again.
I’m still planted in Tallahassee. I’ve been mostly retired for the last few years. My mind travels with the amazing women I’ve discovered on SubStack. Some mobility limitations interfere with many former outdoor interests. I’ve come to realize the difference between most men and the number of women here in their caring about and for our earth. Of course Susan J Tweit stands out. Her recent post exemplifies to me the difference between female and male functioning. Clearly an educational endeavor was one of her aims. And out of respect for the uniqueness of fungi, she advised against uprooting a lovely lichen-covered rock to take home to one’s backyard sunny rock garden. After all we are in this quest for survival together. I make no claim to being a “creative” whatsoever. I’m not blind to those who are. And so the joy of reading smart, creative women who have hung out their shingle on SubStack.
Gary, I know this reply was for Janisse, but I have to say thank you for the kind and thoughtful compliment and the rest of your words. Many blessings to you!
Susan, I’ve noticed the “old friends” quality in groups of like minded creators and find that remarkable, and by using only spare electrons, well used artists’ brushes, and elegant quill pens. I am given to butting in, perhaps too often by an unspoken protocol I’ve yet to discover. If I did not, then how could I say (maybe by employing either?) that what you just wrote caught my attention and intrigued me?
More simply stated, I’m glad for a “Hi, neighbor” wave and opportunities to share some of the joy from the neighborhood. Thanks for your comments.
Gary, I've only been Substack since mid-October, and one of the things I really value is exactly that kind of welcoming and intelligent community. Thanks for being part of it!
A beautiful post!! My favorite thing about lichens is that some glow-in-the-dark! I'm reading a book about lichens right now called: Lichen Museum. It's a very interesting read--I think you'd take a lichen to it! (Sorry)
Bioluminescence is always magic, and especially so in lichens. I'll look for Lichen Museum, and I'm sure I will take a "lichen" to it! (Hah!) Do you know Merlin Tuttle's book Entangled Life about fungi? It's an extraordinary read as well.
It is a challenge! Sometimes you can find lichen identification classes and workshops through nearby colleges or universities, or through your local native plant society.
My GoTo is the big Brodo book, Lichens of North America, and the companion Key. They are a slow read and expensive, but gorgeous (the big book) and essential for working out an identity (the key). Well worth the time and money if you have them (maybe even if you don't). I can't always get to the answer, because for many lichens you have to do chemical tests that are beyond the power of my knowledge and my kitchen, but it's still fun to try.
What a beautifully written yet instructive essay, Susan! Thank you.
Thanks much, Dick! I could have gone on much longer, but I try to keep these Tuesday essays short enough to be an easy read. Blessings to you!
I'm lichen your essay on lichens, dear Susan. As a total non-scientist, I know virtually nothing about lichens. But you have definitely stirred my curiosity. I shall henceforth look at them in a whole new light, while not blocking their access to light, of course. Thank you so much for opening up this world for me.
ROFL at those puns, Liz! I'm glad you found my piece on lichens fascinating, and now you can look for them as you take your walks. :)
I learned a lot! I love the lichens on the maple trees out back- how green they are after rain or fog! Now I will look closer!
Lichens are a whole world in themselves. Just the fact that you have recognized how much more vivid their color becomes after they get a drink from rain and fog is a lovely bit of observation and understanding. You already have a portal into their lives.
Like you, for me they are always a welcomed splash of winter color. Mostly, I am in awe of their ability to exist in such harshness, where they hide their unique lives and relationships. Knowing how special they are makes me reluctant to even walk on them unless necessary, to take time to stop and marvel, and to never dig the rocks up to bring home..past experience has shown me that, even when watered, their condition and color always fade.
Like you, I am careful to not disturb lichens on the soil, and to not "transplant" their rocks. Part of the reason the lichens fade when their rocks or whatever they are growing on is moved is that the lichen growth is in response to the environmental conditions of each particular spot. Lichens depend on wind and rain to bring not just moisture, but also airborne nutrients. So even if you place the rock or dead branch the lichen is on in the same solar orientation as it was originally (facing east, for instance), they may not get air currents bearing the same nutrients. And even if you water the lichens, that water may not carry the same kinds of organic molecules dissolved in it as the precipitation where they lived previously.
Lichens fascinate me too, especially as a photographer. It requires a certain stillness to see everything going on with them.
That is an excellent way to put it, Jill: it does take a certain stillness to really see lichens' lives. As a botanist, they are not in my wheelhouse because they're not plants, but they are such fascinating lives that I love to learn about them.
I haven’t seen any lichens for years, unfortunately. A fascinating essay, thanks for showing/telling me what I’m missing!
Perhaps you'll see some now that they're on your mind. :)
My first efforts to understand lichens (they seem to speak in hushed tones) was in wood repair and replacement in damp, stagnant crawlspaces of homes in my area. North Florida. I spoke with a scientist involved in setting grading standards exclusively for Southern Yellow Pine. I asked at what stage the fungus, Aspergillus Versicolor, began damaging a structural member of a pine floor system. Reply: Before it is visible to the naked eye. Adding, by then the wood has lost about 50% of its structural value. I failed to learn of potential impacts on my health. I would inspect crawlspaces for visible fungus - often in brilliant colors - with zero breathing protection. As I learned more about fungus I used a dual cartridge respirator in enclosed spaces.
Outdoors, now, I marvel at the presence of so many fungi just in our small area of woods in the community’s common space. As if we’re bonded! No doubt in part to my breathing of bio aerosols not so long ago.
And, yes, delighted and informed by your scientific focus on our living environments.
I'm glad that you learned to use a respirator in those crawlspaces. Breathing concentrated fungal spores is definitely a very bad idea. In North Florida, you would have loads of visible fungi, plus the soil beneath your feet is threaded with their hyphae. If you want to learn more about these amazing organisms and their contributions to global ecology, you might want to pick up a copy of Merlin Sheldrake's astonishing book, Entangled Life. https://www.merlinsheldrake.com/entangled-life
Thank you Susan for your recommendation. There’s no age when being fascinated is not a good idea.
That is true! There's a great TH White quote about that in The Once and Future King, where he has Merlin talking about the importance of learning in keeping us living.
You’re so much fun Susan😁Your lichen joke made me LOL.🥰
Good! You can use plenty of laughter. :)
You are so right! 🪺
I thought of you when this podcast interview dropped this morning, in part because of the section when we talked about caregiving. You might appreciate the whole thing whenever you have a half-hour to listen. Hugs! https://www.breathingwind.com/episodes-5/94
Thanks so much Susan. I began listening and will finish when I have more time this evening. It is a beautiful and heartful podcast and the hosts are certainly welcoming. "Breathing Wind"...puts me in a liminal space, in body and mind.
I think Naila and Sarah are wonderful podcast hosts and human beings. I hope that when you get to finish listening, it leaves you with the gift of feeling community and support.
What I like are the things we don't know about lichens.
A quick comment, Janisse. I knew you when I lived in Sunrise Community, mid eighties to late nineties. I remember your interest and efforts to establish wildlife corridors connecting Florida to Georgia. Glad to see your name again.
Gary, yes! I remember! Where are you now?
I’m still planted in Tallahassee. I’ve been mostly retired for the last few years. My mind travels with the amazing women I’ve discovered on SubStack. Some mobility limitations interfere with many former outdoor interests. I’ve come to realize the difference between most men and the number of women here in their caring about and for our earth. Of course Susan J Tweit stands out. Her recent post exemplifies to me the difference between female and male functioning. Clearly an educational endeavor was one of her aims. And out of respect for the uniqueness of fungi, she advised against uprooting a lovely lichen-covered rock to take home to one’s backyard sunny rock garden. After all we are in this quest for survival together. I make no claim to being a “creative” whatsoever. I’m not blind to those who are. And so the joy of reading smart, creative women who have hung out their shingle on SubStack.
I’ll be looking for you. Be well.
Gary, I know this reply was for Janisse, but I have to say thank you for the kind and thoughtful compliment and the rest of your words. Many blessings to you!
Susan, I’ve noticed the “old friends” quality in groups of like minded creators and find that remarkable, and by using only spare electrons, well used artists’ brushes, and elegant quill pens. I am given to butting in, perhaps too often by an unspoken protocol I’ve yet to discover. If I did not, then how could I say (maybe by employing either?) that what you just wrote caught my attention and intrigued me?
More simply stated, I’m glad for a “Hi, neighbor” wave and opportunities to share some of the joy from the neighborhood. Thanks for your comments.
Gary, I've only been Substack since mid-October, and one of the things I really value is exactly that kind of welcoming and intelligent community. Thanks for being part of it!
Some of the best writing these days is coming out of Substack newsletters. I'm loving it.
I couldn’t agree more. Most days when I open up SubStack I’m like the kid in that candy store. I forgot to ask you yesterday where you call home?
I live in the south of Georgia, near Savannah.
Very beautiful & lyrical lines in this piece on lichens.
Thank you, Janisse. That is high praise to me.
A beautiful post!! My favorite thing about lichens is that some glow-in-the-dark! I'm reading a book about lichens right now called: Lichen Museum. It's a very interesting read--I think you'd take a lichen to it! (Sorry)
Bioluminescence is always magic, and especially so in lichens. I'll look for Lichen Museum, and I'm sure I will take a "lichen" to it! (Hah!) Do you know Merlin Tuttle's book Entangled Life about fungi? It's an extraordinary read as well.
Oh yes! I do know it--and yes, I agree. It's a wonderful read, though its been a few years. It may be time for a reread...😉
I think of Entangled Life as one of those books you can re-read many times and still learn from. He packed so much into it!
Yes. ( I thought I typed yes and autocorrect wrote “trees”.🌲—maybe going off into the woods is my answer.)
Yes, I felt extraordinary support and the community here.
Autocorrect as the voice of the universe.... ;)
Thanks, Susan!! Fascinating information is what I’m lichen! And their diversity!
Lori, ROFL at your pun, and thanks for reading and commenting!
I like it that you like lichens. I am trying to learn to identify the ones where I live. It is quite the challenge.
It is a challenge! Sometimes you can find lichen identification classes and workshops through nearby colleges or universities, or through your local native plant society.
My GoTo is the big Brodo book, Lichens of North America, and the companion Key. They are a slow read and expensive, but gorgeous (the big book) and essential for working out an identity (the key). Well worth the time and money if you have them (maybe even if you don't). I can't always get to the answer, because for many lichens you have to do chemical tests that are beyond the power of my knowledge and my kitchen, but it's still fun to try.