Experiments in Prairie Lichen Restoration

Bryophytes and Lichens of the Pacific Northwest

Category: lichen Restoration

Restoration: A New Hope

This quarter our group explored the importance of lichen restoration for the ecosystem and our community. While on this adventure, we made many  discoveries and are hopeful for the future of restoration. It may be a long road but for us and other passionate lichenologists, there is hope. Through research, experimentation and community outreach, we intend to make progress for future scientific advancements.

Mima Mounds. Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mima_mounds#/media/File:MIMA_MOUNDS.jpg

Mima Mounds. Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mima_mounds#/media/File:MIMA_MOUNDS.jpg

Lichens play an integral part in the prairie community. They retain moisture and increase the boundary layer, provide habitat for invertebrates, nesting material for birds, and are a food source for multiple animals. Trevor Goward maintains that lichens are the glue that holds the bunchgrass community together. While most prairie restoration efforts are for native plants and organisms such as the Taylor’s Checkerspot that depend on this bunchgrass community, looking at the lichen is an important step in overall prairie restoration.

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jh_fin/2760155416

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jh_fin/2760155416

Many studies have been conducted on lichen restoration, although few have been conducted in Washington or looking at fire restoration. However, we can take pieces of research from around the world to put together a lichen restoration plan for specific sites in Washington such as the Mima Mounds.

Possible courses of action:

Lichen fragmentation: Reindeer lichens are used to being grazed and trampled by reindeer. When the lichens are not overgrazed, the reindeer nibbles and tramples can actually increase the lichen mat size because of fragmentation. Each little piece of lichen has the ability to grow a whole new plant, genetically identical to the parent plant. Different methods of fragmentation have been tried, from leaf blowers to mimicking reindeer trampling. This is a possible course of action at the Mima Mounds to increase/restore lichen populations after burning.

One experiment that we plan to implement in the prairies is to test the pH of the soil. The soil that would be tested is burned and unburned plots, and also looking at locations where lichens are high in population.

Photo from http://www.soil-net.com/album/Equipment/pH%20testing/slides/Soil%20pH%20testing%2010.html

Photo from http://www.soil-net.com/album/Equipment/pH%20testing/slides/Soil%20pH%20testing%2010.html

This is important in the prairies because it is known that change in the pH of substrates can change the lichen growth. The study will be performed by making a slurry of multiple soil samples, and then testing them. Over a period of time, the same areas would be tested again and observations would be made about species of lichen in the area. An experiment like this, is a stepping stone in a great understanding of prairie lichens.

During this quarter our group decided to perform an experiment with growing lichens from Formula 29. We used milk, flour, yeast, spirulina, fertilizer and jello, then boiled them over a stove. Then lichen thallus was added and we were able to paint this mixture onto substrates (tree bark) in a wooded area.

Photo by Stephanie P.

Painting of the formula on substrate. Photo by Stephanie P.

After 7 weeks, growth was found and we took a scrapping. Under the microscope algae was found. This method could be attempted in the prairies, and we could try to grow certain reindeer lichens in the burned areas. 

Microscope Slide from scrapping. Photo by K. Carpenter.

Microscope Slide from scrapping. Photo by K. Carpenter.

Lichen Awareness:

We are going to design and implement various research and restoration projects that are fun and engaging to the public. There are no opportunities for the public to get engaged with lichen restoration currently, but things such as a lichen fragmentation scattering day or lichen formula painting parties could easily be arranged. In addition Evergreen students could lead field walks giving communities the ability to recognize what is in their own backyards, as well as highlighting the importance of classes that teach lichen taxonomy and ecology.

Community outreach is an important part of getting people to care about and understand lichens. Going into classrooms, retirement homes, or setting up booths at prairie appreciation day will bring lichen awareness to people of all ages. Connecting awareness to action by going into the field and surveying or dispersing lichen is informative and fun for children and adults, as well as helpful for lichen restoration. Follow-up monitoring of the lichen dispersal can be coordinated with interested parties.

Some alternate ideas we’ve come up with to make lichens more exciting:

  • Lichen fashion line utilizing lichens both for dye and the thalli themselves as garments.
  • Days of Our Lichens syndicated daytime drama; One Lichen to Live
  • GMO supreme lichen master race -> human symbiosis
  • Lichen comic books/coloring books
  • Songs about lichen

 

Works Cited
Goward, T. 1991. The Enlichenment: Lichens and the Vanished Grasslands. B.C. Naturalist (29) 6; 8-9.

Educate to Restorate

 

The crisp air of the mountain fills my lungs as I make my way down to the desolate creek. Pushing through the thick water-laden ferns, an awareness of freedom that is the outdoors washes over me. Picking up a branch covered with a myriad of lichen species, I am overcome by a feeling of satisfaction and peace.  How fortunate am I to discover tranquility. As I sat with the lichens listening to the trickling creek it occurred to me that the only way lichen restoration was possible was if people cared. Without passionate individuals willing and wanting to dedicate their time to the noblest of causes, restoration was not a possibility.

 

Hello!! Welcome to my blog about lichen restoration! When assigned the task of researching lichen restoration there were many routes to explore. Join me on a leg of this journey as my classmates and I at the Evergreen State College delve into the abyss that is extreme excitement about science. We have spent the better part of the semester learning and brainstorming about the great task of restoration.

Giving a great deal of thought to how I myself had ended up in a love affair with lichens I realized the correlation between restoration of a species and restoration of the human spirit. We live in a world where there is no shortage of people seeking a path, needing satisfaction and peace. For a moment clarity was my friend and I decided that education was the underlying foundation to our restoration solution.

 

So whats next?

 

The Childrehttp://www.public-domain-image.com/free-images/people/children-kids/high-definition-and-quality-professional-photograph-of-kidsn and Nature Network has a long list of the benefits of what they call “Vitamin G”. Ranging from decreasing the symptoms of ADD to enhancing cognitive abilities the list gives an eye opening account of the possibilities held within nature. Alongside of children there are many health benefits associated with elderly and the environment. A study done through the University of Rochester showed that a connection with nature makes you “feel more alive” and decreases your chances of illness. These possib
ilities do not just end with children and the elderly, everyone can be positively affected. An article in the
American Journal of Community Psychology suggests that activities in open spaces are associated with greater social integration and stronger social networks among neighbours (Kuo, Sullivan, Coley and Brunson, 1998). This, coupled with the chance of restoration is not only an interesting idea, it’s a movement that can spark change and opportunity.

Realizing the importance of education, the only plausible path was to brainstorm and design a lesson plan that could be implemented into classrooms, cahttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Field-trip_-_school_children_outdoors_listening_to_man.pngmps, and community. The fact that we as Evergreen students have the opportunity to take a class about lichens and bryophytes is actually a privilege and a rarity. Much like the symbiosis of a lichen it would be mutually beneficial for us as students to lead walks throughout our community educating everyone about the wonders in our own backyards. The community would learn to sight-identify important species and students would reinforce their knowledge by teaching others. According to John Nestojko, a researcher in psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, “When compared to learners expecting a test, learners expecting to teach recalled more material correctly, they organized their recall more effectively and they had better memory for especially important information.” In the words of the ever inspiring rapper Rampage, it’s time to take it to the streets.

This semester we also learned about the method of FIA plotting and how it opens the doors for an average community member with no background in biology to go into the field and record valuable data on ground cover and species richness. Allowing youth access to this type of data collection would increase the amount of information we have at any given area while developing a skill set on an individual level.  Teenagers with no positive outlet could find themselves enthralled by what the prairies have to offer and the prairies would reap the benefits.

After our group atteIMG_5012mpted to make our own lichen paint based off of Formula 29, it became increasingly certain that creating an educational program was not only doable, it had the potential of being a great success.  What kind of person doesn’t want to make a concoction, boil it down and crush lichens into it and then paint it on trees?! Once all the mixing, chanting, and ooohhhing and ahhhhhhing have been completed allow your mixture to cool. Now would be an excellent time to go over the different substrates you could potentially apply your paint to. What kinds of lichens grow on each substrate? Which substrate would your choice lichens thrive on best? Once the paint has cooled enough transfer to a container and prepare for the epic adventure that is painting the world with the awesomeness of lichens!!

 

 

Alright, alright lichens are important, we get it. Now let’s wrap it up!!

 

There are several organizations in the immediate area like ECOS dedicated to environmental education. Continuing the idea of community connection we could create a lesson plan outlining the significance of lichens, why restoration is crucial, and what we can do to save them. The US forest service even has a really great resource for teachers to find lesson plans and share different ideas regarding lichens. If you are interested in other resources for lesson plans and educational materials please check out some of the links at the bottom of my blog!

By creating a curriculum that shows the importance of restoration of lichens, giving children and community members the skill set to search and record data using FIA plotting, and having them do a kick-ass project that is fun and informative, we are bringing science to the community. This coupled with possible lichen walks and presentations is the beginning of formulating change and opportunity and giving both species a better chance at a healthier life!

 

Additional Educational Resources

Lichenland

Geobotany

Lichen Ecology

 

 

Resources

Kuo, F. E., Sullivan, W. C., Coley, L. Brunson, L., 1998. Fertile ground for community: Inner-city neighborhood common spaces. American Journal of Community Psychology, 26, pp 823-851.

Bernstein, K. Brown, L. Mastella, M. Gagne, 2010. Spending time in nature makes people feel more alive, University of Rochester.

Everding, 2014. Students learn more if they’ll need to teach others, Washington University in St. Louis.

“Magnificent Lichen Growth Formulas.” Magnificent Lichen Growth Formulas. <http://lichenlovers.org/lichen_growth_formula.phtml>.

Lichens and Air Quality Monitoring. Lichens and air quality monitoring..USDA Forest Service

Quandry In The Prairie

The Predicament

We find ourselves now in the grip of a dilemma:

How can we maintain prescribed burning practices and, at the same time, reduce the amount of damage to lichen populations?

This blog post outlines what we know about the current state of research on lichen recovery after fire and how this relates to the complex management strategies implemented in the South Puget Sound Prairies. In previous posts, we touched upon the importance of lichens, challenges and methods of restoration, and current research into the subject. This post aims to summarize existing literature on prairie lichen restoration after fire and discuss future possibilities and opportunities for increasing healthy lichen populations after prairie burning, which is an integral part of management of the remaining prairie habitats in the Puget Sound bioregion.
Due to the sluggish growth rate of these peculiar and beautiful organisms, current research and findings concerning prairie lichen communities and their resurgence after fire treatments are only in their early stages. We do know however that the presence of lichens in prairies is important on many levels.
There is much yet to be understood regarding prairie lichens and their role in maintaining native species populations of certain grasses, wild flowers, insects and small mammals, but there are several studies that allude to their importance and we are just at the tip of the iceberg. Burning too is an important function in maintaining certain populations. While healthy for the prairie, burning immediately destroys the delicate lichen among other species that habitate in the prairie. More research needs to be done into the relationship between fire and lichens. Proposed methods for minimizing species loss include the establishment of fire refuges for vulnerable species, the practice of mosaic burning rather than large plot burning, and efforts to ensure low fire intensity. (Smith et al., 2012; Calabria et al., 2015).

Check out another great blog by our cohorts for more in-depth dicussion on the effects of prairie fires on bryophyre and lichen communities:

Prairie Fire…

 

1319043 (1)

Closeup of the lichen Cladina rangiferina collected by plant physiologist Joanne Romagni. Click the image for more details.

 

WTF can be done, you ask?

As has been said, lichens facilitate the conversion of CO2 to  O2 via photosynthesis by providing a shelter to the algae contained within the thallus, thus allowing this process to occur much more widely than just the algae alone which wouldn’t survive in certain conditions without the protection of the fungal hyphae. Also, due to the lack of a waxy cuticle, lichens absorb everything from the surrounding air directly through the thallus. They are able to absorb pollutants as well as indicate the air quality of the surrounding environment. Studies have shown that some species of lichens are
extremely sensitive to environmental change, making them a major reason for their popularity as bioindicators for natural resource assessment (e.g., Nimis et al. 2002). By observing the lichens, we could eventually learn much more about the ecological impacts of air pollution by assessing certain trends in lichen populations.
We have already proposed that in order to better understand the growth process of lichens, chemical analysis of soil and other substrates must be undergone before and after burning, rain, snow, etc. In addition, pH levels should be tested to observe what best conditions are required for optimum revival? Could there be  an optimal time of year in which to experiment with lichen transplanting. There are no trees in the prairie so the lichens would be fully exposed at certain times of the year depending on the height of the grasses or other vascular plants.
Patiently, we must continue to research the problem at hand for years to come so that hopefully we come to a more thorough grasp on the benefits of lichens in general and the role they play in prairies, the post-burn recovery process and improved methods for how we can continue to aid in the restoration and maintenance of the prairie lichen population of the Pacific Northwest as well as other populations around the world.
For a wealth of fascinating and related information on Lichens, check out any of the following links:

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

  • Calabria, L. M., Arnold, A., Charatz, E., Eide, G., Hynson, L. M., Jackmond, G., … Villella, J. 2015. A Checklist of Soil-Dwelling Bryophytes and Lichens of the South Puget Sound Prairies of Western Washington. Evansia,32(1): 30–41. doi:10.1639/079.032.0106

 

  • Nimis, P. L., Scheidegger, C. & Wolseley, P. A. 2002. Monitoring with lichens – monitoring lichens. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands. 408 pp.

De Dåliga Åsnor

 

 

 

What follows is a cocktail of tall tales and imaginings, peppered with pictures of lichen transplant methods as interpreted from scholarly lichenological articles.

Any lichness to real persons, events or experiments is not very likely.

1994: Willamette Valley. Bruce McCune, Stephen Sillett and pals collectively wonder, “How does forest succession affect epiphyte biomass?” Of course, they’re already aware that epiphyte biomass tends to be higher in older forest ecosystems.

“But how does that translate to lichen propagation via thallus fragments? What sort of niche is best for a developing thallus fragment?” The table buzzes.

Bruce McCune takes a long, slow swig of grog, his eyes downcast as the table squabbles.

“I think they favor an open environment. No No No, over exposure will destroy the developing thallus!” They fall silent as McCune’s gaze sweeps across the group. There’s an audible slurp as he finishes his tankard. He slams it on the table with one hand, while simultaneously flicking the froth from his beard with the other.

“We settle this…..” His eyes burn them. “With science.”

Thus, “Lichen Pendants for Transplant and Growth Experiments” was founded.

Fig. 1.

thallus pieces with at least two young lobes are collected, cleaned and attached to loops of nylon monofilament with silicone (1).

  • Branch sections were selected, both with and without moss, in young and old-growth forest avoiding heavily shaded branches. (A rack was built to serve as substrate in the clearcuts.)
  • Moss removed in old growth and added to moss-positive treatments in young forest and clearcut sites
  • Lichen thalli were attached to the rack (clearcuts) or branch (forest) with 3mm nylon cord

Findings

Sillett and McCune found that cyanolichen transplants Lobaria oregana and Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis grew better in young and old-growth forests (20-30% increase in mass) than in clear cuts (<10%). Clear cuts also had much higher mortality rates (50-90%). Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis thalli grew 30% better when transplanted on moss than on bare bark, but after one year 25% more thalli were healthy on bark than moss. This may mean that moss is good for initial transplant– possibly for support and/or moisture retention– but may be detrimental to long-term health– possibly due to competition.

Meanwhile….East-central Sweden: Top-secret Headquarters of De Dåliga Åsnor för Träd–

The Arch-mage Lena Gustafsson, Knight of Fedrowitz and Princemeistress Hazell strategize about how to convince a power-mad tribe of ogres to leave a few trees when logging an entire forest.

These ogres are fierce, but not evil– just ignorant. De Dåliga Åsnor decide to develop an experiment that will illustrate to the ogres the value of remnant trees. It’s common knowledge in Sweden, that ogres are easily swayed by scientifically backed tables and graphs.

“Oh we’ll give ‘em a graph…”

And so, De Dåliga Åsnor transplanted 1120 Lobaria pulmonaria thalli on 280 aspens at 35 sites incorporating clearcuts and remnant forest habitat.

Fig. 2.

Lobaria pulmonaria thallus pieces are attached to north and south sides of aspen trunks using 6×6 cm plastic 1×1 cm mesh and staples.

Fig. 3.

Proportion of transplants with ⩾50% vitality on north and south sides of trees, respectively, in clearcuts and forests, two and 14 years after transplantation. 22.3% survival after 14 years. (Gustafsson et al. 2013)

After two years, The logging ogres could not dispute the evidence clearly illustrated by the graph. Survival rates of transplanted thalli were clearly higher in north-exposed clearcuts.  De Dåliga Åsnor continued to monitor the plots for another 12 years. Figure 3 is an updated graph illustrating survival rates at 2 and 14 years. The survival rates of northern exposed thalli would eventually even out, but the ogres’ appetite for scientific graphs had been satiated–the survival of the remnant trees ensured.

“But what about McCune and company? Their results showed higher mortality in clearcuts!”

McCune’s Lobaria oregana and Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis are more sensitive to air quality than Lena Gustafsson’s Lobaria pulmonaria. All of these are cyanolichens, which tend to prefer low pH, nitrogen poor environments like old-growth forests.

“What the hell does that mean,” you ask?

Lichens are poikilohydric, meaning they absorb moisture kinda like a sponge– soaking up pollutants from the atmosphere and leeched from rain, then drying out and concentrating these pollutants. The main culprits of loss of lichen biodiversity are presumed to be nitrogen (as NO and NO2, produced by combustion of fossil fuel and NH3, produced mostly by agriculture) and sulphur dioxide (largely from coal-burning power plants and large ocean vessels).

… … … …

The following is a top secret Swiss document regarding the propagation of lichen propagules.

I really shouldn’t be showing you this…

TOP SECRET Propagation of propagules TOP SECRET

1995. Swiss lichenologists.***REDACTED*** Top secret message!! Uh, yeah… so, they’re swiss. and uh, they wanna use propagules to start new lichens. They wanna plant ‘em in gauze to help them stick.

  • Harvested vegetative propagules of Sticta sylvatica, Lobaria pulmonaria and Parmotrema crinitum with a wet paintbrush
  • transferred to a petri dish of distilled water
  • 8mm diameter surgical gauze discs stapled to tree trunk or moss mat
  • apply propagules variously, depending on size

Fig. 4

Lichen propagules affixed to a tree trunk

(Frey et al. 1995)

Fig. 5

Frey et al. reported 1.3% survival of propagules in the first 6 months, but said this increased to 9% survival when propagules were placed carefully between the meshes

It’s a conspiracy, maaan!

It would seem that spawning a lichen from a propagule is not as easy as it sounds. Propagules take 2 months to attach to substrate and will likely fall out of mesh or gauze. The swiss experiment only noted lobule formation from propagules dispersed from transplanted adult thalli (after 30 months).

Japan, 2010: Yoshiaki Kon: a faculty member of Tokyo Metropolitan Hitotsubashi High School, and his long time friend,  Yoshihito Ohmura: Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, are waaay into cutting edge lichenology. They go to all the conventions. Total fanboys. This year their project is gonna revolutionize the way we transplant lichens.

A mind-blowing game-changer.

Are you tired of your thallus sagging and your propagules fallin’ all out?

washtuff.gif

Have mesh and gauze left you with high mortality rates?

Has the slow nature of a lichen’s growth got you saying, “Dang these lichens, they’re so slow growing and they just won’t stick!”

We’ve all been there.

Don’t you wish there was a better way?

Well wish no more! YoshiCorp® has heard your prayers!!

  • using sterile needle, scrape lichen soredia onto cartridge paper
  • apply soredia to 7mm adhesive tapecircles
  • apply 6 tapes to a plastic plate
  • apply plate to tree with stainless steel nails

It’s just that easy!*
*The adhesive tape method is more effective than gauze or mesh for propagule retention. Not all species will form thalli on adhesive**.

**YoshiCorp® are unsure why Ramalina yasudae doesn’t form thalli on adhesive, but they did have very limited success with R. yasudae using the mesh method, even though over half fell out.

Alright, kids, what’ve we learned?

Lichens need a firm anchor. Artificial methods of anchoring have high rates of failure. They also may require protection from competitive bryophtyes, though some moss may be beneficial initially for moisture retention. Choose the right lichen for the environment. Sensitive species have low tolerances for pollutants. Lastly, patience. Lichens are incredibly slow growing. It may take several years to notice a change in some species. Even longer for substantial growth. Something to think about next time you’re out of TP and you decide to wipe with an Usnea.

References

McCune, B., C. Derr, P. Muir, A. Shirazi, S. Sillett, W. Daly. 1996. Lichen Pendants for Transplant and Growth Experiments. The Lichenologist 28 (02), 161-169

Gustafsson, L., K. Fedrowitz & P. Hazell. 2013. Survival and vitality of a macrolichen 14 years after transplantation on aspen trees retained at clearcutting. Forest Ecology and Management 291, 436–441

Frey, B., C. Scheidegger & S. Zoller. 1995. Transplantation of Symbiotic Propagules and Thallus Fragments: Methods for the Conservation of Threatened Epiphytic Lichen Populations. Mitteilungen der Eidgenössischen Forschungsanstalt für Wald, Schnee und Landschaft 70, 41-62

Kon, Y., Y. Ohmura. 2010. Regeneration of Juvenile Thalli from Transplanted Soredia of Parmotrema clavuliferum and Ramalina yasudae. Bulletin of the National Museum of Nature and Science 36(2), 65-70.

10423857_735855819784301_5503889026322558695_n.jpg

 

Our Lack of Reindeer

“Reindeer lichen? I love reindeer!” This was the common response to telling people I was researching reindeer lichen restoration. The majority of studies on reindeer lichen seem to be from Northern European countries. I found a clear correlation between reindeer herding territory and the places research was being conducted. Most people know or could guess that reindeer and reindeer lichen have a link, but that seems to be as far as the common knowledge goes. I was curious about the intricacies of the link, as well as what we can learn from the research of scientists and knowledge or reindeer herders and take back to the prairies of Washington.
Reindeer lichen are found all around the world in coastal sands, peat bogs, prairies and boreal forests. They are particularly prolific in boreal forests, attaining a ground cover of over 90% in some locations (Smith et al., 2012.) Although widespread, reindeer lichen are of particular importance in Fennoscandia (Finland, Norway, Sweden, and part of Russia), where they are an important food source for reindeer, hence the common name reindeer lichen. These lichen are an important commodity for the reindeer herders, who rely on the large mats of lichen as a good portion of the reindeer’s diet.
Reindeer are an important species in Fennoscandia, where nearly 40% of the total land area is used as reindeer pasture. The indigenous Sami reindeer herders have economic and cultural ties to herding reindeer for meat and hides. The amount of available herding land is shrinking as grazing lands are being encroached upon by development and forestry and reindeer herd numbers are growing to support herding families. (Pekkarinen et al., 2015.)

Reindeer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reindeer)

Reindeer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reindeer)

The reindeer graze on lichen in the winter months when little else is available to eat. When lichen populations dwindle due to over-grazing or habitat loss, supplementary feeding is needed, making the lack of lichen a major economic hit to the reindeer herders.

“Domesticated reindeer herding makes up an important part of the socio-economic lifestyle of the indigenous people in the northern regions of the world” (Swanson 1992.)

Many studies have been conducted examining aspects of lichen populations (grazing impacts, transplantation) around Fennoscandia (See Kumplula et al. 2014, Virtala 1992) because of the economic impact of lichen and cultural ties to herding. Reindeer optimization models have been suggested (Virtala 1992) where the ideal lichen harvest is found so that the lichen mats will sustain. When the optimal number or reindeer to land is found, the reindeer can actually increase lichen mats by trampling and fragmentation (Duncan 2015) but too much grazing and the lichen mats decrease in productivity (Gaare and Skogland, 1980.) However, with increasing numbers of reindeer, decreasing grazing is a tricky thing.

Reindeer lichen (http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/581150)

Reindeer lichen (http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/581150)

The South Puget Sound Prairies are far from the tundra, and we also lack reindeer, but this is part of what makes the reindeer lichens at the prairie so unique. The prairies are a unique and special ecosystem and lichens are a part of. Lichens are rare in inland valley habitats (Smith et al., 2015) adding diversity and rarity to the Mima Mounds ecosystem.
The reindeer/reindeer lichen link is perhaps the best known animal-lichen interaction. Although the Mima Mounds lack caribou or reindeer, the reindeer lichens are available forage in the winter months when little else is available or abundant. Lichens are also known to be used by birds for nests (Sharnoff et al., 1998.) Because the spotlight has not been on the lichen at Mima Mounds thus far, it is possible that the lichens in the South Puget Sound Prairies play undocumented/unobserved roles in the ecosystem.

A nest with lichen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_nest#Cup)

A nest with lichen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_nest#Cup)

Lichen restoration research is successful and supported in Fennoscandia because reindeer lichens play such an important role in the economy and culture there. There is incentive to save the lichens, one that we lack at the South Puget Sound Prairies. We need to create incentive by increasing appreciation for the lichens. They may not play a huge economic role, or even a cultural role, but they are a part of a beautiful unique ecosystem. Rare species should be preserved, as they play a role in the larger unique ecosystem (Smith et al., 2012.) The implementation of educational programs can play a huge role in increasing awareness and importance of the reindeer lichens.
We can take findings from previous lichen studies around the world and apply them to the prairie. One study takes on a reproduction strategy for reindeer lichens that relies on fragmentation and dispersal over short distances that mimics caribou trampling and grazing (Duncan 2015.) Another study mixes lichen mats with humus and mineral soil to more quickly re-establish the lichen (Roturier 2009.) Previous blog posts have outlined and referenced numerous studies on lichen restoration as well. (Links to blog posts)-ask me for tips
We have many studies to look at as a starting point for lichen restoration, and eventually I believe a successful reindeer lichen restoration plan can be made that is specifically tailored to the South Puget Sound Prairies. First, we need to make people care.

Literature Cited

Duncan S. J. 2015. Woodland Caribou Alpine Range Restoration. Ecological Restoration 33: 22-29.

Gaare, E. & T. Skogland. 1980. Lichen- reindeer interaction studied in a simple case model. Trondheim Part A: 45-56.

Kumpula, J., Tahvonen, O., & A. J. Pekkarinen. 2014. Optimal harvesting of an age-structured two-sex herbivore-plant system. Ecological Modelling 272, 348–361.

Smith R. D. et al. 2012. Rare Inland Reindeer Lichens at Mima Mounds in Southwest Washington State. North American Fungi 7: 1-25.

Pekkarinen A. J. & J. Kumpula. 2015. Reindeer Management and Winter Pastures in the Presence of Supplementary Feeding and Government Subsidies. Ecological Modelling 312: 256-271.

Roturier S. 2009. Managing Reindeer Lichen During Forest Regeneration Procedures. Doctoral Thesis, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

Sharnoff S. & R. Rosentreter. 1998. Lichen Use By Wildlife in North America. Lichens of North America Information.

Swanson D. J. 1992. Reindeer Herding in the Northeastern USSR. Society for Range Management 14: 97-99.

Virtala, M. 1992. Optimal management of a plant-herbivore system – Lichen and Reindeer in Northern Finland. Ecological Modelling 60 (3-4), 233–255.

I’m “Lichen” the Restoration

 

Welcome to our blog on lichen restoration! We hope to educate people about lichens and what can be done to help conserve them. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungi, green algae and/or blue green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. The majority of the body, or what is called the thallus of the lichen, is made up by the fungal partner. The algae, also called the photobiont, performs photosynthesis giving the organism the energy it needs to survive(USDA Forest Service 2015).

Reindeer Lichen at Mima Mounds in Washington State. Photo by K. Carpenter

Reindeer Lichen at Mima Mounds in Washington State. Photo by K. Carpenter.

Lichens are an extremely important part of every ecosystem they belong to. They are responsible for a large portion of the world’s carbon sequestering, which is vitally important pertaining to global climate change (PSY.ORG 2012). Cyanolichens are also nitrogen-fixers (PSY.ORG 2012). This means that cyanolichens can convert atmospheric nitrogen, N2, into nitrogen compounds that can be utilized by the cyanolichens and other organisms in the ecosystem. Lichens are also an indicator species. By studying the chemicals, pollution and nutrients that a lichen has in its composition, it can show what is prevalent in that area. This makes lichens great biomonitors (Blett, Porter 2003). Since lichens play such a significant role in their ecosystems, it is important to study and conserve their populations.

Mima Mounds

The Mima Mounds are a grassland environment with unique geological mound formations in the Pacific Northwest in Washington State. Many different species of lichens are found in that area, and there are some species that are now rare at Mima Mounds (Smith et. al. 2012). In particular the site is home to Cladonia spp. , also called reindeer lichen. At this location, the DNR performs prescribed burns that take

The Mima Mounds in Washington State. Photo by K. Carpenter

The Mima Mounds in Washington State. Photo by K. Carpenter

place in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The burns destroy invasive species and allows some species to reproduce by using fire. Although these burns help other organisms, it can destroy lichen populations. Lichens are very slow growing, so once they are destroyed in an area, it could take years for the same percent to return (Smith et. al. 2012). While at the moment there are no large scale restoration efforts for the rare species of the reindeer lichens, scientists are studying the Mima Mounds in order to understand more about the location, why they are important to the area, how to help the lichen species and why these species populations are decreasing.

A burn site at Glacial Heritage Preserve. Photo by K. Carpenter

A burn site at Glacial Heritage Preserve. Photo by K. Carpenter

Lichen on a Dish

Scientists and lichen enthusiasts have been trying to find ways to help the conservation of lichens. One possible way scientists have been studying and attempting to grow lichens are in labs. By taking samples of the species they want to grow and then placing them in petri dishes, sometimes in agar solution or a type of yeast nutrient broth(Hawksworth, Sangvichien, Whalley 2011). It takes months for the lichens to start to grow. It is difficult to grow lichens in a lab because different species require different nutrients and substrates. Also, the photobiont may not be able to be cultivated in a lab, while the fungal partner might.  Some studies are also performed so that lichens can be cultivated in labs for pharmaceutical uses (Behera, Adawadkar, Makhija 2006).

Another technique that is being performed to help restore lichens is artificial dispersal. This is were samples of lichen species are spread or placed on a location or substrate where they want it to grow. One study performed by Marlene Lidén, was looking at boreal forests. They attached the lichen sample to the tree branch substrate and then attached it by a nylon thread, then a sheltering cocoon was placed over top of the branch. They found a high level of survival and growth for their samples (Liden et al. 2004). Another study found that when there was artificial dispersal in plots versus no artificial dispersal, increased species biomass in that plot was observed after 3 years (Faltynowicz, Studzinska-Sroka, Zarabska-Bozejewicz 2015).

Digging Deeper

While doing research, I started to wonder if the substrate acidity changed, would that hurt the lichen and overall lichen populations. For instance, with the prescribed fires, looking at before and after chemical composition of the soil in those areas. We know that pollutants can make a difference in the lichen populations, so a change in chemical composition of the soil or substrate should also be considered. A few studies I found that touched on this; one focused on how transplanting lichens to two different tree species, with two different pH, showed that the lichens had different chemical compositions after one year (Asplund, Gauslaa, Ohlson, 2015). Also, another study looked at how a increase of manganese (Mn) negatively impacted the reproductive structures, soredia, of the lichen (Paul, Hauck, Landgenfeld-Heyser 2004). I believe studies in chemical analysis relating to substrates could be extremely important to understanding how to restore lichen habitat.

Let’s Try to Grow them!

Im not sure how well this will work, but I think it would be a fun experiment to try out if your interested in attempting to grow lichens, so read up on Formula 29 (Magnificent Lichen Growth Formula) and see if it works ! http://lichenlovers.org/lichen_growth_formula.phtml

Whether you’re artificially dispersing lichens, growing them in a lab, or painting formula 29 on a rock, lichens are worth learning about and doing what you can to help conserve these awesome organisms!

Works Cited

“Algae, Lichens, and Mosses Take up Huge Amounts of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen from Atmosphere.” Algae, Lichens, and Mosses Take up Huge Amounts of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen from Atmosphere. PSY.ORG, 4 June 2012. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.

Asplund, J., M. Ohlson & Y. Gauslaa. Tree Species Shape the Elemental Composition in the Lichen Hypogymnia Physodes Transplanted to Pairs of Spruce and Beech Trunks. Fungal Ecology 16 (2015): 1-5.

Behera, B.c., B. Adawadkar & U. Makhija. Tissue-culture of Selected Species of the Graphis Lichen and Their Biological Activities. Fitoterapia 77.2 (2006): 208-15.

Blett, T. & E. Porter. Air Pollution- Related Lichen Monitoring in National Parks, Forest, and Refuges : Guidelines for Studies Intended for Regulatory and Management Purposes. (2003). U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Lidén M., M. Pettersson, U. Bergsten & T. Lundmark. Artificial Dispersal of Endangered Epiphytic Lichens: A Tool for Conservation in Boreal Forest Landscapes. Biological Conservation 118.4 (2004): 431-42.

“Magnificent Lichen Growth Formulas.” Magnificent Lichen Growth Formulas. <http://lichenlovers.org/lichen_growth_formula.phtml>.

Paul, A., M. Hauck & R. Langenfeld-Heyser. Ultrastructural Changes in Soredia of the Epiphytic Lichen Hypogymnia Physodes Cultivated with Manganese. Environmental and Experimental Botany 52.2 (2004): 139-47.

Sangvichien, E., D. I. Hawksworth & A. J.s. Whalley. Ascospore Discharge, Germination and Culture of Fungal Partners of Tropical Lichens, including the Use of a Novel Culture Technique. Imafungus IMA Fungus (2011): 143-53. PMC. U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Smith, R. J., Alphandary, E., Arvidson, R., Bono, G., Chipman, B., Corkery, A., DiMeglio, J., Hansen, K., Isch, K., McAlpine, J., Marks-Fire, C., Mead, B., Miller, D., Nolte, N., Ottombrino, A., Prior, T., Streich, J., Theis, S., Vandruff, Sc. Wessler, C., Wessler, K., Wiseman, M. and B. McCune. 2012. Rare inland reindeer lichens at Mima Mounds in Southwest Washington State. North American Fungi 7: 1-25.

What Are Lichens?.What Are Lichens?.USDA Forest Service.

Zarabska-Bożejewicz, D., E. Studzińska-Sroka & W. Fałtynowicz. Transplantation of Lichen Thalli: A Case Study on Cetraria Islandica for Conservation and Pharmaceutical Purposes. Fungal Ecology 16 (2015): 34-43.

Little Lichen on the Prairie

By Castilleja Kuzis

Welcome to The Pacific Northwest Prairie Lichen Restoration Project blog. As a part of the 2015 Evergreen State College course Bryophytes and Lichens of The Pacific Northwest, we will be undertaking experimental research in prairie lichen restoration. This blog will serve to communicate the importance, challenges, current research, and eventually our experiments and findings. We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoy the opportunity to learn.

Why does it matter?

The South Puget Sound area was once covered with over a hundred thousand acres of unique prairies. Formed by glacial outwash, the gravelly soil of the prairies does not support the growth of tall tress. These once vast open expanses were colonized by native bunch grasses, wildflowers, butterflies and small mammals, and were maintained by the Native Americans through controlled burns to preserve open space for the plants they depended on for food and medicine. Today prairies are the most endangered habitat in Washington. Fish and Wildlife Biologist for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Jim Lynch, estimates “90% of the original prairie has been converted to agriculture, urban area or conifer forests.” Prairie habitats are a specialized ecosystem that support some unique species including the Taylor’s Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha taylori), the Streaked Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata), and the Mazama Pocket Gopher (Thomomys mazama), all of which are listed as threatened or endangered and depend on this shrinking habitat. Fortunately, some of the largest tracts of prairie habitat lie within the Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the base is working with conservation groups such as South Puget Sound Prairies to manage operations and protect these habitats. Check out the South Puget Sound Prairie site or a great video to learn more:

http://www.southsoundprairies.org/who-we-are/

What about the lichen?

10829737116_f5946a6b5d_b

Wildflowers growing from Cladonia Mat, Photo: Tom Potterfield

Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae, a fungus and cyanobacteria or both. This unique partnership takes on many forms and lichens can be found on rocks, trees, the ground, and in some of the harshest conditions on earth. What we are concerned with is their ability to form mats, and in addition to other native ground dwelling moss and algae, form cryptogamic or living crusts on the soil. These are the glue that hold the bunchgrass prairie ecosystem together (Goward 1991). Lichens provide ground cover, aid in moisture retention, inhibit invasive species, and numerous native species are dependent on lichen as a food source (Smith et. al. 2012).

In addition lichens present many potential research applications. Some species are sensitive to air quality and environmental pollution and can be used in bio monitoring. Lichens also produce unique and unusual compounds that aid their survival and can have antibiotic, antiviral and other therapeutic properties (Johnson et al. 2011). In recent studies, lichen extracts have been shown to be able to degrade prions, or the malformed proteins responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathy such as mad cow disease or chronic wasting disease in deer. (Johnson et. al. 2011).

What’s being done?  

Research in restoration and management of prairie ecosystems has shown lichen plays an important but little understood role in maintaining biodiversity of native plant communities. Studies in Newfoundland of re-vegetation of former mining sites found that plant growth increased when lichen and moss propagules were distributed with the native plants (Campeau and Blanchard 2010). Closer to home, research by Evergreen Environmental Science Masters student Sasha Porter has shown communities of mycorrihzal fungi help support growth of key native plant species (Porter 2014). Lichens not only contain a fungal aspect that could demonstrate similar assistance to vegetation, cyanolichens are even capable of fixing nitrogen which provides important resources for plants in the nutrient poor prairie soil. There has been limited research into the lichens communities that occur in the prairie habitats, the first comprehensive checklist of lichens and bryophytes for Pacific Northwest prairies was only recently published and in addition documented four rare and endangered species of lichen (Calabria et. al. 2015).

Looking ahead it seems future conservation and restoration planning for the south Puget Sound prairies should consider the role of lichens. Yet, lichen restoration and research is an area with unique challenges. Not only are lichens extremely substrate specific, slow growing, and sensitive to fire and air quality, but research into their diversity, abundance, and role in the prairie ecosystem is only beginning to be explored.

wash-mima

Aerial Photo of Mima Mounds, Photo: Washington Department of Natural Resources

While we didn’t find specific studies on reintroduction methods of Pacific Northwest prairie lichens there have been multiple efforts in our region regarding management tactics for the preservation of prairie lichen focused at the Mima Mounds Natural Preserve in Southwestern Washington. This is a unique bioregion with characteristic geologic formations. Studies conducted by the Oregon State University Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, and students out of Eastern Washington University found that low intensity prescribed burns can support prairie lichen communities by maintaining open canopies, yet lichens are extremely fire sensitive and can take decades to even begin to reestablish after fires (Smith et al. 2011;Anicito 2013). We know that the native Americans managed the south Puget Sound Prairies with fire and that the low intensity fire regime is an important part of many of the other native plant and animal life cycles. We are looking forward to exploring the role of lichens in this complex ecosystem.

What are we going to do?

Stay tuned to find out!

References

Anicito, Kristin R. 2013. A holistic approach to Mima Mound Prairie Restoration. Eastern Washington University Masters Thesis Collection. Paper 115.

Calabria, L. M.; Arnold, A.; Charatz, E.; Eide, G.; Hynson, L. M.; Jackmond, G.; Nannes,J.; Stone, D. And Villella, J. 2015. A Checklist of Soil-Dwelling Bryophytes and Lichens of the South Puget Sound Prairies of Western Washington. Evansia 32(1); 30-41.

Campeau, S., and Blanchard, K. 2010. Use Of Locally Sourced Moss, Lichen and Vascular Plant Propagules For The Revegetation of Mineral Disturbances in a Boreal Climate, In: British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium 2010, https://circle.ubc.ca/handle/2429/30115.

Goward, T. 1991. The Enlichenment: Lichens and the Vanished Grasslands. B.C. Naturalist (29) 6; 8-9.

Johnson CJ, Bennett JP, Biro SM, Duque-Velasquez JC, Rodriguez CM, Bessen RA, et al. 2011. Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens. Jason C. Bartz, Editor, PLoS One. 2011;6:e19836.

Porter, 2014. Mycorrhizal and Microbial Inoculation Affect the Growth and Survival of Native Plants Raised for Restoration. The Evergreen State University Masters Thesis.

Smith, R. J., Alphandary, E., Arvidson, R., Bono, G., Chipman, B., Corkery, A., DiMeglio, J., Hansen, K., Isch, K., McAlpine, J., Marks-Fire, C., Mead, B., Miller, D., Nolte, N., Ottombrino, A., Prior, T., Streich, J., Theis, S., Vandruff, Sc. Wessler, C., Wessler, K., Wiseman, M. and B. McCune. 2012. Rare inland reindeer lichens at Mima Mounds in Southwest Washington State. North American Fungi 7: 1-25.

Photo credits: Tom Potterfield- labeled for non-commercial reuse https://www.flickr.com/photos/tgpotterfield/10829737116

Washington Department of Natural Resources- labeled for non-commercial reuse

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wastatednr/