You can join lichen expert Dr. James D. Lendemer, Assistant Curator and Institute of Systematic Botany at the New York Botanical Garden, for a scenic, informative walk in the woods that will help you explore the local lichen population in the Long Pond Greenbelt this fall. This event, hosted by The South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo) and co-sponsored by SoFo and CW Arborists, will take place on Saturday, November 4. Dr. Lendemer will include a short introduction to the world of lichens and the program will meet at the South Form Natural History Museum at 10 a.m.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Lendemer lead a walk in Vineyard Field,” said Frank Quevedo, Executive Director at the South Fork Natural History Museum. “This is going to be a unique opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning about lichen biodiversity.”
Dr. Lendemer’s research project, “Lichen Biodiversity of the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain,” has been incredibly eye-opening for the scientific community. His project was the very first assessment of lichens, a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga, in the Mid-Atlantic region and included a three-year research period. Many new lichen species were discovered and some were found to be endemic to a newly discovered biodiversity hotspot in North Carolina. Lichens have been severely threatened by human impact in the Mid-Atlantic region. Dr. Lendemer’s research is instrumental to our understanding of these unique lifeforms.
“The South Fork Natural History Museum strives to educate the public on the importance of the natural world,” Quevedo remarked. “Lichens are often overlooked but they are very important for the health of our ecosystems.”
The mission of the South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center (SoFo) is to stimulate interest in, advance knowledge of, and foster appreciation for the natural environment, with special emphasis on the unique natural history of Long Island’s South Fork.
Registration is mandatory for this free event. Please call 631-537-9735 or email [email protected] to reserve your place at this riveting event.
South Fork Natural History Museum is located at 377 Bridgehampton in Sag Harbor Turnpike/Bridgehampton. For more information, call 631-537-9735 or visit sofo.org.