Spring Field Trip @ Mt. Erie

[Adrienne Alms]

Hi everyone,

This Spring I would like to host a Licheneers field trip to Mt. Erie! This will involve meeting at the top of Mt. Erie, a park within Anacortes city limits (we can drive to the top, don’t worry- 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZfEbbUKjyjEY2UH97?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

), exploring some of the trails together, and looking at and learning about the lichen species here on the rocks and trees. There are also lots of other interesting plants, including bryophytes, and other things to keep us occupied here. Some things may even be starting to bloom. I’m thinking this outing would be 10am-2pm or something like that for timing, it doesn’t need to be all day. We could have a picnic lunch too if the weather cooperates. 

If you have never been, Mt. Erie is composed of unique and interesting geology and a variety of habitats including Douglas fir forest, balds, and rocky cliffs, all with oceanic influence. There are some lichen species at Mt. Erie that are usually only found at higher elevations, as well as some species I usually only see on trees, growing on rocks here. 

I will compile a list of Mt. Erie lichen species based on my own observations and others’ historical observations before the trip so we have some reference for which species we may find. Then after our field trip, we will compile a species list of all the lichens we found for some comparison.

 I rock climb at Mt. Erie pretty often and I always find new-to-me lichen species when I go there, so I’m excited to go with some fellow lichen lovers, to solely look at the lichens this time! For those who feel ok navigating rocky steep trails, I can help lead us on some of the climbers’ trails to get to more places on the mountain, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, there are also paved, flatter trails at the top to walk on and explore instead, still with lots of cool lichens! 

If you are interested in attending, please fill out the following poll so we can find a date that works for most of us:

https://doodle.com/group-poll/participate/aOLr7GBb

Please let me know if none of these dates work for you, but you really want to come. 

I have included a couple photos of some lichens and the views at Mt. Erie to entice you (I would have put more but there’s an email size limit lol) :)

Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions!

Once we find a date that works for most of us, I will send out another email with further details.

Happy almost spring!!

Thanks,

adrienne