February 6, 2026

Rock-shield Lichen (Xanthoparmelia), found growing on rocks in sunny, open areas. Slowly breaking down the bare rocks they are growing on with acids they secrete, turning the rock surface to soil.

If a good number of these lichens are found, it is an indication of good air quality. They get their nutrients directly through the air and many can’t live in high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen, dying off if that air pollution is too high.

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