Researchers from the Nature Trust of New Brunswick are actively seeking out four distinct varieties of lichen, with one already discovered in a unique location. The scaly fringe lichen, scientifically identified as heterodermia squamulosa, was spotted between Alma and Riverside-Albert, east of Fundy National Park, marking the furthest eastern sighting of this species to date, according to Ilana Urquhart, a conservation coordinator at the Nature Trust.
Lichens, formed through a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and photosynthetic partner like algae, typically manifest as grey, yellow, or green crusty patches on trees resembling moss. Although challenging to locate, lichens are commonly found on rocks and trees, as explained by Urquhart. The scaly fringe lichen, along with the wrinkled shingle lichen, blue felt lichen, and white-rimmed shingle lichen, are particularly elusive to find.
These lichen species have been assessed for their provincial rarity, with the wrinkled shingle lichen classified as endangered, while the white-rimmed and scaly fringe lichens are considered threatened, and the blue felt lichen is of special concern.
Urquhart emphasized the significance of lichens as environmental indicators of diverse and healthy ecosystems capable of supporting various species. However, she noted habitat loss, often due to logging and harvesting activities, poses the most significant threat to lichen populations. With limited observational data available, the Nature Trust’s discoveries will contribute to the province’s dataset and be shared with fellow researchers.
Funded by Environment Climate Change Canada through the Habitat Stewardship Program, the Nature Trust researchers have been actively searching for lichens since 2022, expanding their exploration efforts this year. They have identified suitable habitats for lichens in cedar swamps, maple swamp areas, and hardwood regions, focusing their search in the Charlotte County region, along the Wolastoq River (St. John River), and the coastal islands of the Bay of Fundy.
While the Nature Trust has successfully located the scaly fringe lichen, white-rimmed shingle lichen, and wrinkled shingle lichen, their quest for the blue felt lichen continues, with confirmed sightings in Charlotte County and on Grand Manan.