May 17, 2026 @ 9:00am – 3:00pm (Duration: 6 Hours)
Macrolichens of Maine
Register Now:Maine’s unique natural habitats are ideal for its over 1400 species of lichens—organisms formed through a partnership between fungi and algae. Join Maine Master Naturalist Jeff Pengel to examine and identify Maine’s macrolichens, which are lichens large enough to be identified with only a hand lens.
Through presentation, photographs, and specimen examination, students will learn identification techniques and basic vocabulary, and use a key to identify more than two dozen common species.
Instructor Bio(s)
Jeff Pengel was trained as a geologist and botanist and holds degrees in Natural Science and Secondary Education. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide, a Maine Master Naturalist instructor, and an Appalachian Mountain Club volunteer naturalist trainer. Jeff has worked as a geologist, high school science teacher, outdoor educator, and park ranger but has spent most of his career in IT and project management.
Materials and Equipment Needed
A 10x or 15x hand lens is required and may be borrowed.