MOSS AND LICHEN WALK ALONG THE LAUREL RIVER TRAIL

MAY 1, 2024.

Leader: Sue Studlar

On May 1, Susan Studler led 11 BRNN members on a moss, liverwort and lichen discovery walk along the beautiful Laurel River near Hot Springs, NC.  Susan had identified over 100 species in the first half mile of the trail, we saw a limited number.  She graciously provided a handout to the group which explained the characteristics of the organisms which is attached.  Randy Richardson did his usual great photography, the link to the photos in Amazon is https://www.amazon.de/photos/share/Y2sKB3ElqubuWOqq5AR34RUqHtHQ6w8yKP7AGpC88hV. 

We began with a look at examples of lichens which have a composite structure formed by the association of algae and fungi. One of the interesting examples was the Script Lichen which looks like scribbling on the bark of a tree.
We saw two types of mosses. Acrocarpous mosses have an upright growth habit such as Apple moss with an apple-shaped capsule and Windblown Broom moss with long wispy leaves.  Pleurocarpous mosses have a prostrate or creeping growth habit exhibited by Train Tracks moss with long trailing stems and Fox Tail mosses that are shaggy and form large mats.  
Our tour included a few Liverworts, the one I have seen the most is the Snakeskin liverwort.  As the name implies it looks like snakeskin with a hexagonal pattern.  Susan crushed one section to exhibit its aromatic compounds.
Thanks again to Susan for organizing and leading such a great learning event.