Who We Are
I'm Lichen It! Examining A Changing Climate Through the Study of Lichen is envisioned as a long term research project that will allow students from grades 6 to 12 to participate in authentic science by being part of a team that will collect and analyze data to determine the effect of changing climate using gardens along the elevation gradient. A partnership has been forged between the arboretum, NAU (Northern Arizona University)and NPA (Northern Preparatory Academy) with each playing a vital role in this project. The overarching question being asked is " how does climate change affect lichen growth and diversity?" and will be addressed by setting up three lichen gardens at various elevations within the SEGA (Southwest Experimental Garden Array) network. In addition to the three sights, a lichen collection using the same species being monitored has been created at NPA for students to practice data protocol as well as content- related grade-specific utilization. Students will be constructing a baseline data set to infer the effects of long term climate change on lichen.