Breathe deeply, you are standing next to a tree full of lichen. At first glance, they may appear to be snow puffs. Instead they are a very curious combination of two organisms living together intimately in a symbiotic relationship. Each winter they take over this tree outside our bedroom window.
Years ago, an old-timer told me when you see lichen you know the air is good and clean. Stop and fill your lungs. I have always taken his advice. A little research when writing this blog confirmed it, "Most lichens are extremely vulnerable to air pollution. When lichens disappear, they give early warning of harmful conditions," according to http://www.lichen.com/ Lichen appears to be the "canary in the coal mine" of life on Planet Earth.
Happily, they are bountiful here at Saltair Station.
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