Lichen Lab – Edwin Warner Park Nicholas Gilman

Lichen Lab

1. The experiment involved visual observing trees in specific portions of Edwin Warner Park,
monitoring for which types of lichen growth exist on each of the trees. This provides a quick
indicator of air quality based on the types of lichens present in each location.

2. The first location was immediately off the parking lot by the visitor center, which is adjacent to
highway 100. The second location was behind the visitor center, in the woods adjacent to the
stream. The two sites are different based on their proximity to the highway, the density of the
trees, available sunlight, and proximity to the stream.

3. My expectation is that there will be a greater quantity of Fruticose and Foliose lichens in the
second location since it is farther from the highway and may have better air quality.

4.

5. The findings are the opposite of what I had anticipated. The sites may have been too close
together for there to be any significant differences in air quality. The difference in quantity and
type of lichen could be due to several factors for which I do not understand the influences or
impacts. These factors include available sunlight, which is a factor of tree density, hillside
location, tree type, and canopy cover. These factors may have additional effects including
moisture content on tree surfaces based on the availability of sunlight.