Some UCSC Lichen Environments
A great way to approach lichen hunting is to go where there are lots of lichens and enjoy their diversity in shape and color. Lichen are best observed in a summer fog or during a drizzle. Remember that lichens expand and their colors become more vivid when they are moist.
Buckeye Trees
Buckeyes often have a variety of yellow, green, and white lichens on them. Try the buckeye (waypoint N36 58.920, W122 3.186) at the base of the bike trail. It's the flowering tree just beyond the metal signs below. Watch for downhill bikes!
Oak Trees
UCSC has some wonderful old oaks that make a fine substrate for a variety of lichens. An exceptional oak is the fenced tree (waypoint N36 59.684, W122 3.331) in front of the East Field House. Here you will find orange Teloschistes lichens and many others.
Old Fence Posts
Since UCSC use to be a working ranch, we are blessed with many old redwood fence posts with lichens on them. Some of the most accessible and interesting fence lichens are located west of the Blacksmith shop (waypoint N36 58.864, W122 3.226) near the base of the main bike path.
Road Cuts
Road cuts often have steep embankments where only a few plants, mosses and lichens can grow. The road (Steinhart Way, waypoint N36 59.808, W122 3.426) between the bookstore area and McHenry library features Cladonia squamosa. Can you find at least one other species of Cladonia growing here? Cladonias help stabilize the soil on these steep slopes. Watch for shuttle buses!!
Chaparral
The chaparral on upper campus is very thick. Many lichens like a lot of light, so they are especially common along the road edges where vegetation has been actively cleared for years.Wherever
Lichens thrive on old stable surfaces. Check out this redwood handrail near the roadway to the Parking Office. You don't need to know lichen taxonomy to appreciate the many species present here! Waypoint N36 58.837, W122 3.174.
