Discover the fascinating world of lichens with Kay Hurley at the 15th Berkshire Biodiversity Day.

Join us for an engaging exploration of these remarkable underdogs of the fungal world. Kay will reveal the surprising roles lichens play in the lives of various creatures, from majestic reindeer to tiny tardigrades to human-use. Learn how lichens have made their mark on every corner of the globe, from Ecuador’s lush tropical forests to the Galápagos Islands to the Berkshires.

Kay will delve into their unique reproductive strategies, including those that don’t involve sexual reproduction, and uncover how these resilient, slow-growing organisms have influenced artists and writers, from Henry David Thoreau to contemporary creators. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a curious mind, this presentation will illuminate the hidden wonders of lichens and their impact on both the environment and human culture.

DATE: Friday, September 13

TIME: 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM

LOCATION: K-111 Auditorium in the Koussevitzky Arts Center, Berkshire Community College, 1350 West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Kay Hurley is an avid naturalist who has studied lichens for 20 years and has worked on the lichen team of many bio blitzes. Her weekly nature column, published for 10 years in a community newspaper, was subsequently expanded and organized into the book Who’s Who in the Natural World. Her new book, Lichenpedia, is a collection of lichen stories. Her interests extend to animalcules, soil microbes, and diatoms: tiny things, the underdogs, and the overlooked.

This presentation is one of many taking place during this year’s Berkshire Biodiversity Day that’s taking place on September 13–14, from noon to noon, on the Berkshire Community College campus. In addition to the presentations, there will be guided walks and demonstrations led by experts, all of which are free and open to the public. The four slideshow presentations, which range in topics from native plants to moths, will each last for forty-five minutes and involve Q&A. Click here to learn more about this program and other planned activities.

This year’s program is organized and sponsored by Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Nature Academy of the Berkshires. It’s co-sponsored by Berkshire Community College, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and Panera.