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. 

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