Blog

Lichen Discoveries at Grootbos with Dr. Alan Fryday

Lichen Discoveries at Grootbos with Dr. Alan Fryday

Grootbos Foundation

Lichen Discoveries at Grootbos with Dr. Alan Fryday

Recently, Grootbos had the privilege of hosting Dr. Alan Fryday, a renowned expert in the study of lichens, who travelled all the way from Michigan, USA, to spend a month surveying the incredible lichen diversity found on the reserve. His extensive knowledge has been invaluable, and his visit sparked great excitement among researchers and interns alike.

Lichen enthusiasts from all over the country gathered to learn from Dr. Fryday, who is affectionately referred to as the “godfather” of lichen studies. His fieldwork at Grootbos has offered a rare opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of these unique organisms, which are often overlooked yet play a critical role in many ecosystems.

The fieldwork was a hands-on experience, with participants immersing themselves in identifying various lichen species. Among the highlights was Grootbos entomology intern Happiness Baloyi’s discovery. She was overjoyed when she successfully created a beautiful cross-section of jelly lichen (Leptogium) under the microscope, using Dr. Fryday’s guidance to identify it by the visible lichen spores. Her excitement was contagious, and it underscored the passion shared by everyone involved.

Fellow intern Marelise Faul was also hard at work, concentrating on achieving the thinnest cross-section of lichen possible for her microscope analysis. These moments of discovery and learning have highlighted the intricate world of lichens and the importance of continued research in this field.

This month of lichen study at Grootbos has truly been a rewarding experience, thanks to the expertise of Dr. Fryday and the enthusiasm of everyone who took part in this collaborative effort. 

Lichen Discoveries at Grootbos with Dr. Alan Fryday

Grootbos Foundation

Grootbos Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation in Gansbaai committed to conserving the Cape Floral Kingdom and uplifting the communities that reside within it. The foundation protects more than 22,200ha of fynbos landscape and biodiversity on Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and the Walk...

View Profile

What is Xplorio?

Xplorio is your local connection allowing you to find anything and everything about a town.

Watch the Gansbaai Video
Read More

Other Articles

Botanical Watercolour Masterclass with Laura Silburn

Botanical Watercolour Masterclass with Laura Silburn

On this course, we will be choosing a subject from the fynbos surrounding us...

Grootbos Florilegium
Gansbaai Lionsklub se 31ste Lionpresident ingehuldig

Gansbaai Lionsklub se 31ste Lionpresident ingehuldig

Die jaarlikse induksie, of te wel Presidentsinhuldiging, van Gansbaai Lionsklub se nuwe Lionpresident...

Gans-Berg Nuus / News
Gans-Berg Newspaper - 20 June 2025 Edition

Gans-Berg Newspaper - 20 June 2025 Edition

Gans-Berg Newspaper - 20 June 2025 Edition.

Gans-Berg Nuus / News
Beginner Sewing Classes for Kids and Teens

Beginner Sewing Classes for Kids and Teens

Want to learn how to sew?

You're Invited to a Bridgerton Tea Party!

You're Invited to a Bridgerton Tea Party!

Join us for a lovely morning filled with charm, tea, and good company at Gansbaai Academia.

Gansbaai Academia
Take the First Step Toward a Better You

Take the First Step Toward a Better You

Looking to overcome personal or professional challenges?

See All Articles