THE GARDEN FENCE

Hello Master Gardeners!

Lichen Hunting Just when you thought that there was little to observe outside, there is something else to see! During a walk through my wooded neighborhood, I viewed several types of lichen. When I went to webpages of the University of Maryland Extension and Wikipedia to get some information, I found that we are now at the beginning of peak lichen viewing season! The actual peak is toward the end of winter, but general lack of foliage makes lichen on bare soils, rock outcrops, and tree trunks more visible than usual.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - HARFORD COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS January 2016

OFFICERS: Ellen Haas-President, Anne Spellman-Vice President Carrole Kesselring-Secretary, Treasurer- Kathy Ullrich

2

A lichen is a composite organism, according to Wikipedia information, that arises from algae or cyanobacteria (or both) living among filaments of a fungus in a symbiotic relationship. The combined life form has properties very different from the properties of its component organisms. Lichens come in many colors, sizes, and forms, and grow in a wide range of substrates and habitats. They can grow on tree bark, leaves, and can be seen hanging from branches "living on thin air" (epiphytes) in rain forests and in temperate woodland. Lichen-encrusted branches may be found on the ground due to storms, revealing treasures that would normally be above our reach. Even small branches can host several species, each with its own unique color and shape. Lichens grow on bare rock, walls, gravestones, roofs, exposed soil surfaces. They can even survive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth: arctic tundra, hot dry deserts, rocky coasts, and toxic slag heaps. They can even live inside solid rock, growing between the grains, and in the soil as part of abiological soil crust in arid habitats such as deserts. Some lichens do not grow on anything, living out their lives blowing through the air. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen Lichens look different, and can occur as:

According to a web article written by Sara Tangren, University of Maryland Extension (http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichen-peeping), during dry spells, lichens shrivel up and their surfaces become opaque and faded-looking. This protects the internal,

Three-dimensional shapes reminiscent of shrubs, beards and cups.

Speckled Shield Lichen growing on tree trunk with green moss http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichen-peeping

Flat leafy shapes, usually

rounded in outline.

A diminuitive (1/2") sunburst lichen and companions on tombstone in Caroline County MD. http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichen-peeping

Powdery, crusty colors on surfaces, reminiscent of spray paint. Crustose lichens on tombstones, Caroline County, MD. Field of view 1” wide. http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichen-peeping

3

photosynthesizing algae from desiccation. When re-moistened, lichens expand and their surfaces become transparent again. Light and moisture can reach the internal algae, and photosynthesis resumes. The algal colors, which are often brighter than that of the fungal surface, shine through. Sara noted that lichens produce special structures for dispersing their progeny, and these result in interesting changes in shape, texture and color which are further clues to a lichen’s identity. Lichens have a unique reproductive life, involving asexual as well as sexual methods of reproduction. The life cycles of many native animals are intricately tied to lichens. Here are a few examples from animals native to Maryland:

x Ruby-throated hummingbirds line their nests with strips of lichen. x Painted lichen moth caterpillars can only eat lichens. x The Green Leuconycta Moth, protects itself from predators by mimicking lichen color patterns. x A predator species, the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spider camouflages itself against lichens.

Lichens also have many

other stories to tell, intertwining their presence in almost all aspects of ecology and human endeavor. Sara Tangren provided a few examples that illustrate their importance:

x Approximately 8% of terrestrial earth is covered by lichens. x Lichens absorb nutrients from the air, and can be used as air quality indicators. x Lichens contribute nitrogen and minerals to the ecosystems in which they occur. x Historically, humans have used various species of lichens to make dyes and medicines. x Lichens produce unique biochemicals to fend off herbivores, prevent freezing, and stop seeds from

germinating in their soft, moist tissue. These chemicals hold promise for the development of new medicines and agricultural chemicals.

If you are interested in viewing lichens on the web, the University of Maryland Extension suggests taking a photo tour at the Maryland Biodiversity website-http://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewChecklist.php?category=Lichens - See Sara Tangren’s article I’m Lichen It! Peak Season for Lichen Peeping at: http://extension.umd.edu/learn/i%E2%80%99m-lichen-it-peak-season-lichen-peeping I also wanted to wish all Master Gardeners and Interns a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I’ll see you at our next Master Gardener General Meeting, on January 7th, 10:00 a.m. at the Extension Office. Ellen Haas ‘13

Photos left to right: Giant Lichen Orb Weaver (photo from www.pbase.com), Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Joyce’s)

Green Leuconycta Moth (photo from BugGuide),

4

Halls of the IceKing In the heart of winter’s ice cold night Beneath the frozen sky The little fairies danced in joy To praise their Iceking high Round and round they lightly danced Their proud heads raised with grace Their snow-white queen beside her throne Light shining from her face The golden torches flickered bright In the Icekings mighty halls Reflected in the magic gems Within the crystal walls But looming up beside the queen There stood a fearsome sight Tall and dark, with gleaming eyes Still no one fled in fright Upon his head a crown of ice On his hand a golden ring His icy garb of cones and gold The forest’s frosty king He then embraced his snowy queen With love, and held her tight As she looked up and smile with joy; It was their wedding night

WINTER POETRY

5

Spring in December Article taken from Volume 23, No. 4 Branching Out newsletter of the University of Maryland Extension – Woodland Stewardship Education

Warm temperatures in December are not that unusual, but the past few weeks have been exceptionally warm. At BWI airport there were 16 days with temperatures above 60 degrees and four above 70 degrees. Last month, the average temperature at DC airports was 53.7 degrees, the sixth-warmest on record. It looks like this weather pattern will exist until at least Christmas. After that, all bets are off! The positive side of this weather pattern is that it allows woodland owners and others an extra window of time to complete those outdoor projects before the snow and cold weather drives many indoors or seeking winter recreational pursuits. With the leaves off the tree there is time for comfortable walks through the woods to look for damaged trees, invasive species, and other conditions you may want to address over the winter or next growing season. With the rapid spread of emerald ash borer through Maryland, it is a good time to walk in the woods and identify your ash trees. Is the bark coming loose? Is the trunk full of woodpecker holes indicating borer activity? Are the branches starting to die and fall to the ground? Is the tree in a place that would make it a safety hazard if it fell? Unlike other tree species that die, such as oaks, ash wood degrades quickly (within months) after death from emerald ash borer and trees are susceptible to windthrow or breakage over the winter once the snow, wind, and ice build-up. You may want to consider cutting them down for firewood while the wood is still useful or contacting a professional forester if you have many acres that need to be treated. If a tree is a potential safety hazard near your home you may want to contact a tree service professional. More information on emerald ash borer management and options is available at: http://extension.umd.edu/woodland/your-woodland/publications-library-invasive-species. . Above all, enjoy the warm weather and your woods, no matter how big or small. Winter will be here soon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the University of Maryland Extension Woodland Stewardship Education Pro-gram.

WOODLAND STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION ECEMBER

Thank you for the many hours you have given in service to our

communities in 2015. The excellent programs provided by Master Gardeners are made possible

because you have all given so freely of your time and talents. May many

blessings return to you. Joyce

6

Master Gardener General Meetings for 2016 January 7 10:00 am February 4 7:00 pm March 3 10:00 am April 7: Liriodendron Mansion Volunteer Appreciation evening May 5 10:00 am June 2 7:00 pm July 7 10:00 am August 4 7:00 pm September 1 10:00 am October 6 7:00 pm November 3 10:00 am December 1: Liriodendron Mansion Holiday Party 6 pm

Steering Committee Meetings for 2016; 10 am; HCEO

January 28 February 25 March 31 April 28 May 19 June 30 July 28 August 25 September 29 October 27 November 17 December – no meeting

2016 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

FUN PHOTO

One of the 20 best Instagrams from U.S. Parks in 2015

Reflection Canyon is one of the unique wonders in the Southwest.

Located in a remote section of Glen Canyon National Recreation

Area in Utah, it offers unparalleled views of the Colorado River

twisting and winding through colorful sandstone cliffs. After the tough hike to reach the canyon,

photographer Wan Shi was rewarded with this spectacular shot. “This has to be the most

colorful and surreal scene I have ever seen in the American

Southwest.” See the other top 19 park photos http://mashable.com/2015/12/09/best-outdoor-instagrams/#aR_CEbga1Eqs

7

Extension Office Winter Workshop for all kids!

Extension Office 4-H staff is seeking new creative ideas and teachers for the annual Winter Workshop for youth on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Fallston High School. The educational, fun-filled day of workshops helps kids beat the winter blahs. Classes are open to both 4-Hers and non-4-Her’s! Master Gardeners participate by teaching 45 minute classes on topics like: wildflower bookmarks, seed starting, flower arranging, fairy gardens, bird houses, gardening containers, crafts, science, nature and many more!

Earn log hours for time spent prepping, teaching and/or serving. Class sessions begin at 10 am and the day concludes at 2:30 p.m. You choose what time of day you would like to teach, group size and age: clover classes (ages 5-7) and classes for ages 8-13. We would love to have you come and share your special talent or knowledge with kids. Earn MG hours and help the youth beat the winter blahs! Call the Extension Office, 410-638-3255, with ideas you would like to teach. Please talk to Kathy Porcella the 4-H event planner or Joyce. If needed we will find you a helper! You are invited to register your own family members to attend! Maybe teach a class while your daughter or grand child attends a class. The youth workshop fee is $15 per child and the kids never have enough arms to carry home all their homemade fun stuff! Call the Extension Office for more information 410-638-3255.

January 16, 2016 8:00 AM—4:30 PM “Reforesting Your Neighborhood” Winter Workshop VFW Post 467, Westminster MD Learn how to create healthy residential woodland ecosystems using the sustainable landscaping principles of woodland gardening. Speakers from University of Mary-land Extension, Carroll County Forestry Board and Mary-land Forest Service will show you how to improve wildlife habitat and pollinator diversity, protect water quality, develop usable woodland crops such as medicinal plants and edibles, select native plant species appropriate for your area, and identify and combat non-native invasive plants. Registration is $50.00 per person or $75.00 per couple, and includes morning refreshments, lunch and course materials. The brochure and registration form can also be viewed on the Carroll County Forestry Board webpage www.carrollcountyforestryboard.org To register by mail call the MD Forest Service office at 410-848-9290.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

8

To enjoy all the features of the Native Plant Essentials course, you will need access to an internet connection that is good enough to download files and watch video. The entire course will take approximately five hours to complete, but you can proceed at your own pace. Lesson content is introductory in nature, and you might want to explore some issues in more depth. Native plants provide a lifetime of enjoyment and discovery. Part 1: Pre-Course Mock Shop Exercise Part 2: Geologic Timeline, A Context for Native Plants Part 3: The Past - Ecoregions Part 4: The Past - Biotic Influences on Native Plant Communities Part 5: The Past - Native Plant Community Examples Part 6: The Present Part 7: The Future Part 8: Post-Course Mock Shop Exercise To register go to http://www.extension.umd.edu/mg/advanced-training

Native Plant Essentials: Online Class

9

January 7 – MG Monthly Meeting 10 am January 20 – 10 - 12 Daytime Study Group January 20 – 7 – 8:30 Evening Study Group January 28 – Steering Committee Meeting 10 am February 4 – Evening Meeting 7 pm

The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.

THE MARYLAND MASTER GARDENER MISSION STATEMENT

The Maryland Master Gardener mission is to support the University of Maryland Extension by educating Maryland residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build

healthy gardens, landscapes and communities.

Joyce Browning Urban Horticulturist

Master Gardener Coordinator Harford County Office

2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS