Nephroma Resupinatum

Day 170: Some of you may recall that my search for kidneys at Longmire was recently rewarded when a gust of wind shook another small sample of Nephroma helveticum loose from the upper canopy. Well, I now have a second species in my photographic catalog: Nephroma resupinatum. I can't take credit for the find. It was shared with me by Lalita Calabria, one of the professors who served as leads on the Northwest Lichenologists' field trip to Deschutes Falls Park. To my credit, when she showed it to me, I identified it as a Nephroma immediately, but knew better than to venture any further into specific species. Lalita was very helpful. She turned the twig over so that I could see the lower surface of the lichen and pointed out the small white "pimples" which are diagnostic.

Usnea Apothecium

Day 169: An unidentified Usnea provided my second big thrill during the lichenology field trip. I simply adore lichens with "eyelashes" on their apothecia, and this was only the second one I've ever found. My previous discovery belonged to a different genus in which the fringed apothecia are common. In Usneas, it's something which is not too often seen around here. The largest "eye" (shown here) was roughly 5 mm in diameter. Two smaller ones were on a lateral branch of the same specimen. Upon closer examination, I believe two species of Usnea were present on this twig, although Usneas can be highly variable within a single species.

Chaenotheca Ferruginea, See It?

Day 168: Hands down, my most exciting find from today's field trip to Deschutes Falls Park with the Northwest Lichenologists was Chaenotheca ferruginea, one of the "pin lichens." Can you see it? There's just one, almost dead-center in the photo: a little black "pin" sticking out of a tiny patch of yellowish-grey thallus. The diameter of the stalk would be roughly that of a human hair. From base to the top of the rounded capitulum (head), the lichen is approximately 1 mm. in height. Yes, you read that right: 1 mm. Not 1 cm., one MILLIMETER. I think I'm going to be spending a lot more time with my nose pressed right against bark now that I know what to look for.

For the most part, the experts were very helpful and took time to explain basic features of lichens to less-experienced participants. Most of the attendees were students in the field and had some degree of expertise. I felt that I fell somewhere between rank novice and "advanced beginner" because although I recognized many of the species as also being in the Park environment, there were a lot of others with which I was not at all familiar (the Ramalinas, for example). I could hold my own talking about Cladonia bellidiflora or Pilophorus acicularis, but I was completely at sea with many other genera. And there is always one academic snob in every crowd. I had drifted away from one group to assist with the identification of a vascular plant and stopped to look at a specimen of Usnea someone else had picked up. When a nearby academic identified it, I asked, "How can you tell that's what it is?" I expected her to say something along the lines of, "It's sorediate" or "The fibrils are forked at the tips." Instead, she replied, "Because I'm a professional." Needless to say, I moved on.

Taking a field trip with experts can have two effects simultaneously. It can be very discouraging when you realize just how much knowledge you do NOT have, but on the other hand, it can be a strong motivator to learn more when the professionals are willing to share their expertise. Thanks to the educators in this group, I think I'll be able to weather the feeling of deflation and will become a better lichenologist through their encouragement.

In The Lichen Lab

Day 167: Maybe not the best picture in the world (it was shot as ISO 1600), but it commemorates a very productive and enjoyable day at the Northwest Scientific Association conference's lichen sessions. We spent half the day in the lab testing and identifying specimens, and I am happy to report that I have confirmed the presence of Mycoblastus affinis in the Park, as well as Pertusaria borealis. I learned to mix several reagents used to test for lichen substances, and was able to purchase small quantities for my own little kitchen laboratory. Tomorrow, we will be splitting into two groups for field trips, one to a wetland ecology and one to an evergreen habitat. I will be attending the latter. I also got to meet some of my lichen heroes today, notably Bruce McCune (the darker haired man in the rust-coloured shirt on the right) and Katherine Glew, with whom I've exchanged many emails over the last several years. I have to admit that I glowed with pride when I overheard Katherine compliment me to another participant. My Park colleague Sue also attended the seminar, and evil creature that I am, I had to acquaint her with another Pertusaria species. Maybe it was a little early for April Fool's; one of the diagnostic features of P. amara is its bitter, lingering taste. I scooped a fingernailful from a tree and surreptitiously discarded most of it before placing a tiny, tiny fragment on the tip of my tongue. I knew what to expect. Sue did not, and took a somewhat larger sample. Even so, we both spent the rest of the day puckered by Pertusaria, although I'm sure Sue regretted the experience more than I did.

And Kidneys To Top It Off

Day 152: I'm not sure where to start relating today's events, so I think I'll begin with the photo. Ever since finding Fringed Kidney lichen following a windstorm several years ago, I've haunted the same spot, hoping that another specimen would have dropped from the upper canopy. I've been disappointed until today when I found one very small grouping. The largest of the apothecia wouldn't cover my thumbnail and the foliose portions are rather browned from harsh weather, but this is Nephroma helveticum, and now I think I know which tree it occupies. No, I am not thinking about climbing it.

When I arrived home from work, I had a surprise in my mailbox. Joe and Sharon, my partners in Team Biota, are hoping to light a fire under me with respect to dragonfly identification. To that end, they sent me James Walker's "Common Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Pacific Coast - A Life Size Field Guide." I have collected a few images of these insects over the years, but have not been able to identify more than a few. This book will definitely improve my skills.

However, the biggest event of the day left me speechless and very near to tears. For some time, I have wished I could afford to attend the lichen portions of the Northwest Scientific Association's annual conference, but I simply couldn't budget it. Today as I sat at my office computer crunching volunteer applications and answering Park emails, I recognized Arnie's voice at the door. He came into the office and leaned against a cluttered bookcase. "I have a question for you," he said. Expecting it to be something botanical and wondering how he thought I'd be any help if he didn't know, I said, "Yeah? What?" Without preamble asked, "How interested are you in the Northwest Scientific Association's lichen conference?" I told him I'd love to go, but that it wasn't within my means. "What would you say if I said I'd send you to it?" he replied.

For a second, I was speechless. Then I said, "Surely there's somebody else who would benefit more from your budget than me!" He said, "You let me decide that." After some flabbergasted sputtering on my end, he continued, "Would you want to attend all four days or just pick a topic which interests you?" We dragged up the conference program and I determined that there was really only one day I thought would provide information I thought I could use in the Park. We discussed the options, but I was insistent. One day was sufficient. I completed the registration and he took care of the fine points (i.e., payment), and when he stood up from the desk, I couldn't help myself. I threw my arms around him in a bear hug, trying to keep the tears from running down my face. And then, after I finished my office work with as few corrections as I could manage through my excitement, I went out walking in the snow and found the Kidneys.

It's been a long time since I had a day like this one.