Lichens grow where there is little or no air pollution so it's no wonder many different kinds of lichen can be found growing on the Mendonoma Coast. Many people think lichen is detrimental to trees, like mistletoe, but they are mistaken. Lichen is actually beneficial. A fun place to learn about lichen can be found via this link: http://ocid.nacse.org/lichenland/ You will learn lichen is not just one organism but two and in some cases three. Amazing!

This photo is of fruticose lichen, which fell out of a tree on Kathy DiMaio's property on the Gualala ridge. Isn't it a thing of beauty?