Botany Spotlight: Lichen

Lichens are found in nearly every habitat on Earth but are often overlooked and misunderstood. Come learn about these fascinating symbiotic organisms with Scott LaGreca, collections manager of the W.L. & C.F. Culberson Lichen Herbarium at Duke University (and Duke Ph.D. in botany '97). Following an overview of lichen biology, participants will become familiar with lichen growth forms and structures under the microscope. We will then walk across the Gardens and West Campus, examining and identifying the lichens we encounter on our way, growing on trees, wood, rock and other substrates. The program will finish with a tour of Duke's own lichen herbarium, a natural history museum collection that houses nearly 110,000 preserved specimens, some of which are 150 years old!

Fee: $21; 20% discount for Gardens members with seasonal discount code. Registration is at https://rsvp.duke.edu/g1nKqO.