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Lichens

Researchers hold a colour chart against a tree in Ancient Woods to measure the diversity and abundance of lichen growth.

An integral part of rare’s Ecological Monitoring program

A tree lichen monitoring program was initiated by Nicole Weaver in 2004 in Ancient Woods within four 20 x 20 m plots using Ecological Monitoring and Assessment (EMAN) protocols.  The oldest four trees in each plot were selected for monitoring (16 large trees representing six different species).  A lichen ladder was placed against the bark of each tree four times (at each of the four cardinal directions) to determine the presence or absence of 17 EMAN species (as well as any other species). Nine EMAN species and 8 other species were found growing on the bark of the selected trees.  The Lichen Diversity Value for this site is 16.9.  These plots were revisited in fall/winter 2008/09.Click on any of the following to learn more about other rare ecological monitoring programs:

Benthic Invertebrates

Birds

Butterflies

Forest Health

Forest Soils

Salamanders

For more information on ecological monitoring at rare, please contact our Research Department at (519) 650-9336 x 111