When: February 17, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
Discover the hidden world of lichens!
Join our Outreach Associate Alina to discover the diversity, abundance, and intricacy of the lichens that live in Western North Carolina! Using dissecting microscopes, we’ll get up close and personal with a variety of lichen specimens collected from the region. We will also discuss the science behind these fascinating critters including what kind of creatures they are, what they eat, how they reproduce, and what they contribute to our forests.
Participants will learn beginner identification tips, as well as how to take close-up photos of lichens using a smartphone and magnifying device. Our focus will be on the different forms lichens take, and learning how to identify them based on how they reproduce, where they are found, and what surfaces they live on. This event is geared towards beginner lichen-likers or those who are looking for a place to start, but is open to all nature lovers.
We will meet just before 5:00pm on Tuesday, February 17th in the Mainspring office (557 E Main St, Franklin.) This workshop will run approximately two hours, and will be entirely indoors. Our conference room can be chilly depending on the weather, so we recommend bringing a warm layer and anything else you need to be comfortable during this event. Though we will not take a formal dinner break, participants are welcome to use our kitchenette to heat up food or make a warm beverage.
This class is suitable for all levels and no science background is required, just bring your curiosity and awe! Children 13+ welcome, please leave pets at home. Space is limited, click here to purchase your ticket (this link will bring you to a different page.)
Email Alina at [email protected] with any questions.
Meet your teacher
As Mainspring’s Outreach Associate, Alina Martin aims to encourage the protection and appreciation of land by connecting communities to the birds, plants, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that share our home here in the Southern Blue Ridge. Her adventures up and down the east coast have introduced her to a wide variety of habitats, and those experiences inspire her to continue nurturing her understanding of ecology. Armed with her identification knowledge and ever-increasing wonder, Alina leads a variety of educational programs here at Mainspring, and finds something curious and new each time. She is a life-long birder, all-around naturalist, and avid user of eBird and iNaturalist.
Refund policy
Contact Skye at [email protected] to request a refund.
Before 4:00pm on Wednesday, February 11th: Mainspring will retain a $5 processing fee, and refund $20 per ticket.
After 4:00pm on Wednesday, February 11th: Refunds are not guaranteed, but Mainspring will attempt to fill empty seats. If a cancelled seat is filled, the former ticket-holder will receive a $20 refund. If the cancelled seat is not filled, we are unable to issue a refund. Thank you for your understanding.
