Lichen

Boreal Felt Lichen, a rare cyanolichen, is an incredible organism formed from the partnership between fungi and cyanobacteria. Cyanolichens grow in the coastal forests of Nova Scotia and are at risk from air pollution and forestry. They are hard to find; this makes their distribution across Nova Scotia difficult to pinpoint. MTRI works with industry to investigate potential rare lichen habitat based on government satellite and aerial data. Since this project began, knowledge of Boreal Felt Lichen populations has increased greatly, and its continuation will be crucial to conserving Nova Scotian populations of this endangered species.