I’ve agreed to help a group of youngsters called Pathfinders in their quest to find good examples of mosses, lichens and liverworts. I know of 2 places where they could find all three of them without too much trouble and decided that the old abandoned road along Beaver Brook would probably be the safest. From what I can tell Pathfinders are anywhere from 10-15 years old and get merit badges and other awards each time they meet certain goals, much like the Boy Scouts.
Anyone who has read this blog for very long knows that if you stand me up in front of a group of people and ask me to speak I immediately forget everything I’ve ever known, but this should be very different. By reading other nature blogs I know that people who lead excursions like these usually go off on the hunt alone before they lead a group, so that’s what I did. Beaver Brook was almost completely iced over with just a narrow ribbon of water glistening in the sunshine. It was sunny but it was cold and the snow where it hadn’t been walked on was quite deep. Since I made this trip we’ve gotten over a foot of new snow, so I hope the Pathfinders have already earned their winter survival badges.
I chose this place because of the easily accessible ledges and trees. Since vertical ledges and trees don’t accumulate much snow the lichens, mosses and liverworts that grow on them are easy to find all winter long. We’ll have to pay close attention to ice though; we don’t want anyone standing under that. Since this trip is planned towards the end of the month the ice could be rotten and falling by then.
Beautiful smokey eye boulder lichens(Porpidia albocaerulescens) grow on the stone of the ledges along with many other lichens and mosses. I’m hoping that each Pathfinder has his or her own loupe or magnifying glass so they can see details like the beautiful sky blue fruiting bodies (Apothecia) on this lichen. Part of this lichen in the top center of the photo was under ice, and what a difference it made in its appearance.
While I was looking for lichens I found a pocket of milky quartz crystals that I’ve never seen here before. It seems like every time I come here I see something new and on this day, between lichens and quartz crystals, I found three things that I had never seen here. That’s why it pays to follow the same trails over and over; you think you’ve seen all there is to see but you find that you haven’t even come close.
There was a quarter sized hole in the snow that must have had warm water vapor rising up through it, because its edges were decorated with delicate, feather like frost crystals.
Yellow feather moss (Homalothecium lutescens) always looks pale and sickly but it is perfectly healthy, as its spore capsule production shows. This moss is rare here and this small clump is the only example I know of, so maybe it will earn the Pathfinders some extra points.
I won’t tell you how many shots of this yellow feather moss spore capsule I had to take before I got a useable one, but it was a lot. This example still has its tiny, pointy, red cap-like lid (operculum), meaning it hasn’t released its spores yet.
Stair step moss (Hylocomium splendens) is another beautiful moss that I’ve seen nowhere but here. It’s looking a little dry at the moment but it will snap back as soon as it warms up and we get some rain. This moss gets its common name from the way new leaves “step up” from the backs of older leaves.
I found a crustose lichen that I’ve never seen before. It grew on tree bark and I think that it might be a fused rim lichen (Lecanora symmicta.) Fused rim lichens get their name from the way the tan colored fruiting bodies (Apothecia) sometimes fuse together. I don’t know if this is a rare lichen or if I’ve just never noticed it before because it fruits in winter, but it’s something else that might earn the Pathfinders extra points.
I’ve known for a long time that lichens change color when they dry out but I didn’t know that cold affected them. Then I started seeing blue lichens in places where I was sure there were none before and I realized that some of the lichens that I saw in the summer were turning blue in winter. That isn’t much help when it comes to identifying them though, so now I have to go back when it’s warmer and see if I can figure out what they are. Once I’ve identified them I can see what the books say about them turning blue.
The Pathfinders need to find 5 mosses, 5 lichens, and 1 liverwort and the greater whipworts (Bazzania trilobata) that grow on the ledges here will take care of the liverwort requirement. They’ve shriveled a bit because of the cold and dryness but it’s still obvious that they aren’t a moss. I always find these liverworts growing on stones near streams, so they must like high humidity.
Script lichens (Graphis) are another candidate for a hand lens but well worth the effort. There are 39 species of script lichens in North America and many more throughout the world and their most important identification characteristic is their squiggly apothecia, which look like ancient script written on tree bark. I counted at least five different species on this day in just this small area, but I think you could probably spend a lifetime trying to identify script lichens. If I was still a teenager I might take on such a challenge.
I’m sure that the Pathfinders will find all that they’re looking for and plenty more besides. I even found a bright yellow fungus that I think might be a crowded parchment (Stereum complicatum), even though they are usually orange. Color like this is always a welcome sight in winter and I hope I can remember where it was so I can show it to them.
The only thing I can’t be sure of is how much snow we’ll have by the day of our trip. I’ve already had to start wearing gaiters, but if we keep getting two or three snowstorms each week like we have been lately we might all need snowshoes.
I’m glad that I made this solo journey because now I know that the kids won’t be disappointed. There is plenty here to see and I hope they will come away from this place with an urge to see more and learn more. I also hope the knowledge that they can see beauty virtually anywhere as long as they are willing to look for it will stay with them for a good long time.
Every child is born a naturalist. His eyes are, by nature, open to the glories of the stars, the beauty of the flowers, and the mystery of life. ~ Ritu Ghatourey
Thanks for stopping in.
It sounds like it’s going to be an interesting walk for the pathfinders. I hope the weather plays nicely.
Me too. It hasn’t for a while now.
I grew up in Minnesota so I love winter…It was always such a treat to ski to work. Your photo series is just amazing.
Thank you Charlie. We’re getting what I imagine a Minnesota winter must be this year, so you probably wouldn’t mind it.
Good luck with the walk Allen. I must admit that the thought of taking out a bunch of teens and pre-teens would fill me with dread!
Thanks Jim! I raised a boy and a girl and the house was always full of them and their friends for years, so it shouldn’t bother me as long as I don’t have to give any long winded speeches.
I brought up (Brit version of “raised”) two girls Allen. Young children I found a delight; like sponges they would soak up everything you could show them. But teenagers seemed to be bored with everything, almost as a matter of principle. Mind you as “pathfinders” I guess you’re going to have a group of youngsters who are likely to be keener on nature than most.
I know what you mean Jim, but I think these kids will be there because they want to be, not because they have to be. I think they really are interested in nature and know their way around the woods.
Allen, these are a lucky group of explorers to have you as their guide! What wonders they will find and your depth of knowledge is immense. I’m sure once you begin talking about your “world” the words will flow and you will be just fine! Can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
Thanks Martha. I hope you’re right and I hope I can keep them interested!
How fortunate for these young men to have you guide them on their quest, Allen. Good stuff.
Thank you Cynthia, I hope they agree!
Though we do have young men, most of the Pathfinders on this trip will be young women.
I don’t care if they’re ninety year old grandmothers as long as they’re nature lovers!
Thank you for telling me.
The Pathfinders have definitely found the right guide. Really amazing picture of the spore capsule.
Thanks, I’m glad you think so. I hope they’ll agree when the trip is over!
Those spore capsules are very hard to get a good shot of so I only try it once or twice a year.
Reblogged this on Dawn of Divine Rays and commented:
Allen, I hope that you will have a wonderful time with them. Take care and keep warm. Happy Sunday, Allen. Namaste
Thank you Agnes and the same to you. I’m hoping they get a lot out of it and I’m actually looking forward to it which if you knew me, would seem strange. I hope you’re having a peaceful weekend.
Indeed, am having a peaceful weekend, Allen. Finally, the main entry door got installed on Saturday and the only door that’s missing is the storm door. Other than that .. I’m quite at peace for now. Thanks for your very kind wishes. Have a beautiful week ahead. Namaste
Thank you Agnes, and the same to you. That sounds like a cause for celebration in your household! I know you’ve been waiting a while now. It has to be a lot less drafty, even without the storm door.
It’s very well installed and no drafts .. and I’ve to say that I am amazed ‘cos this entry door with two sidelites … are huge!! I have never seen a doorway this big when they removed the old one. We love to open up the front main door and allow the natural cool air into the house during late spring throughout till it gets too cold. Having a storm door with a retractable sliding downward window, will give us the peace and freedom to do what makes us ‘healthy’ .. breathing fresh air. I can’t survive here without storm doors and we have one in the kitchen too. Besides, it’s also more secure .. or at least for me ..I’ll ‘feel’ more secure with a storm door when the main door is open. It’s just one of my ‘insecurities’ here in USA. In Singapore we all have a front metal gate and metal grids for windows that’s along the common corridoor – for all high rise apartments. Well, that’s the excitement for now .. lol .. Have a lovely day, Allen.
Yes, those front doors with sidelights on houses built in the 1800s were big. back then fuel was cheap and plentiful so they didn’t worry about heat loss like we do. When we re-did the house I grew up in we found no insulation in the walls at all-not even newspapers. We always left our doors unlocked and often wide open but I wouldn’t do that these days, so a storm door is needed. At the very least it would slow someone down. I agree that there’s nothing like the nice cool breeze that blows through a house. Air conditioning can’t even come close. Enjoy!
It was very kind of you to go out and preview the trip. Those Pathfinders are very fortunate to have you go with them!
I know exactly what you mean when you mentioned the value of following the sakes trail over and over again. Amazing new things you find… and it keeps you humble.
Thanks Montucky. Yes, that’s a great way to look at it, it really does keep you humble. As soon as you think you’ve seen all there is to see and know all there is to know, nature says “now wait just a minute.”
It’s such a pleasure to examine all your great photos — it’s awfully good of you to shiver and freeze so that we can see these lovely plants.
Thank you Charlotte. It probably isn’t as bad as I make it sound sometimes. I dress warmly and only take my gloves off to take photos.
Hi Allen,
I’m really looking forward to bringing the Pathfinders out to meet you. I hope the weather cooperates! If not, we’ll have to reschedule for the spring. If I have anything to say about it, we’re not missing this!
Hi Jim.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed too. The long range forecast did say sunny and warm, but now it says cloudy and warm, so I think it’s too far out to be very accurate. As long as it isn’t pouring rain we should be alright.
I’m looking forward to seeing the kid’s reactions to some of these things. I hope they have good eyes!
Your lichen pictures seem to me to be getting better and better all the time. Your patience is wonderful.
Thank you. As you know it does take patience, and a lot of practice too!
I wish I could join you on your quest with the Pathfinders! The smokey eye boulder lichen is truly beautiful and the shot of the moss spore is so fascinating. I had no idea the spores had caps like that. Such a wonderful piece of natural engineering.
Thank you Clare, I wish you could too. That smokey eye boulder lichen is one of my favorites. I’ll never forget how excited I got the first time I saw one.
Moss spore capsules come in many sizes, shapes, and even colors and they really are fascinating. Some, like the ones on apple moss, look like tiny red apples!
I must get myself a magnifier and have a closer look at these lovely things.
A 10X loupe would be a good thing to carry. I have one somewhere but I can’t seem to find it.
Thank-you, I’ll look out for one.
I doubt if the Pathfinders will be disappointed with this hike. I sure wasn’t!
Thank you. I think they get out in nature quite a bit so it might take something special to impress them. I hope this place is it.
What a great trip they will have with you. I’m envious.
Thank you Sue. I hope it turns out well. At least I know they’ll see what they’re looking for.
Fascinating post, Allen…and I think we’ve been here with you before…that cable and the posts along the stream look very familiar. I hope you and your pathfinder friends have a nice outing….
Thanks Scott. Yes, I’ve done a few posts about this place before. I go back quite often and have gotten to know the residents well. Still, I always find something new there each time I go. I hope the Pathfinders enjoy it too. It’s the best I can do at this time of year!
I like revisiting trails and places, as well…and like you, looking for what I haven’t seen before, as there is always something. I think the fact that those Pathfinders are even going to be out there at this time of year only increases the likelihood that they will have a good time. 🙂
I’ve been coming to this place for a long time, possibly 30 years or more, and I’m still seeing things there that I’ve never seen, so it really pays to hike the same places.
You’re probably right about the Pathfinders. After all, what kid doesn’t have fun in the snow? It’s part of being a kid. I guess my job will be to try to hold their attention for a while. It sounds easy…
Thirty years or more…? Goodness. 🙂 And yes…it “sounds” easy. 🙂
Yes, I remember going there to collect garnets a long time ago!
How wonderful of you to share your knowledge and love of nature with the kids! I love the second photo of the meandering stream.
Thanks Paula! I’m hoping it’s something they’ll remember. If this weather doesn’t change they might remember it for all the wrong reasons though!
The Pathfinders will be indeed fortunate to have such a knowledgeable guide to help them earn their badges! Let’s hope that it’s a little warmer, with less snow than the current conditions.
I don’t know how you get such great photos of the things that you find in this weather without freezing your fingers, or other body parts off. 😉 I thought that I was pretty tough, but I can’t kneel or lay in the snow long enough to get the shots that you do.
Thanks Jerry! I hope I can live up to their expectations. And I agree-I’m all for hoping for warmer weather!
A large part of the how is the camera. That little Panasonic has such great image stabilization that often I only have to hold it down near what I’m shooting and click the shutter without having to get covered in snow. There are plenty of times when I do get covered in snow though, and I do freeze my fingers when I take my gloves off. The trip for this post lasted about 2 1/2 hours in all and I didn’t think I’d ever stop shivering when I got home!
Wish I could be one of your Pathfinders! I do have a question, if you don’t mind. How long would some of those lichens have been there – the script lichen, for example? Do they die off?
Love the spore capsule photo.
Thanks Judy. In general crustose lichens like the smokey eye boulder lichens grow very slowly-as little as 1mm per year. In the case of these script lichens though, the trees they were on couldn’t have been much more than 20 years old, so the lichens had to have grown in less time than that.
Current thinking says that lichens don’t ever die, but pieces of them do break off and get blown by the wind to another place where they start another colony. They have been taken into space and subjected to the vacuum of space for two weeks, and when they were brought back to earth they grew as if nothing had ever happened, so a lot of people believe that they are truly immortal.
What a great opportunity to spend time with those kids. I think we all can remember things experienced during our youth that profoundly influenced us in later years.
Thanks! I agree-I can certainly remember people along the way who taught and encouraged me.
You may want to check out your paragraph on smokey eye boulder lichens above. (Just to show I am actually reading what I’m “Like”ing. 😉 )
Thanks Ben. I’m not sure what happened there, but I’m glad you caught it!
It’s great you can pass on some of your knowledge to the kids. You may light a spark that will add another botanist to the world!
Thanks Laura. That’s what I’m hoping. I hope they’ll all at least stay interested.
That was a splendid quote you chose. Lucky Pathfinders to have you to guide them, they will be amazed at what you show them. I loved the picture of the the icicles.
Thank you Susan, I hope you’re right!