Seminar on lichens, biofilms, and stone

Lichens, Biofilms, and Stone
Eagle Hill Institute
Steuben, Maine
August 16-22, 2015

Maine's Hancock and Sullivan Counties, with their rocky shorelines
and inland hills, are rich with lichen species and biofilms.
Buildings and structures made with granite from local quarries host
lichens and biofilms.  Imported grave markers of granite, marble,
slate, and sandstone from other New England states and foreign
countries are found in cemeteries, and these markers also host
lichens and biofilms.  In this seminar, we will study the physical,
chemical, ecological, and aesthetic relationships between lichens,
biofilms, and stone.

Different lichen species grow on different stone types in different
environments.  Lichen growth is influenced by a stone's mineralogy
and condition, and by the microclimates created by plant cover,
open-air exposure, proximity to water, stone orientation, and
surface topography. Biofilms also show diversity with their presence
on different stone types and in different environments.  The
interactions between lichens and biofilms and to what extent lichens
and biofilms protect or harm stone surfaces from weathering are
questions that will be discussed.

We will present lectures on basic lichen morphology and species
identification; biofilm morphology; the role of lichens and biofilms
in the environment; basic geology; the history of stone quarrying,
finishing, and construction; and the history and contemporary
practices of preservation "treatments" for stone.  Field trips are
planned for forest and shore environments, a granite quarry, a
gravel pit, and several cemeteries.  We will examine and identify
lichens, biofilms, and stones in the field and in the laboratory. We
will also examine the impact of surface manipulation of stone
(cutting, polishing, chemical applications) and how these impacts
may influence (or not) the growth of lichens and biofilms.  As a
class project, participants will compile a checklist of the lichen
species found during the field trips.

We expect participants to represent a wide variety of disciplines
and avocations; the pursuit of individual interests will be
encouraged.  While prior knowledge of lichens, biofilms, or stone
will be useful for this seminar, it is not necessary.

Judy Jacob is a Senior Conservator with the National Park Service,
Northeast Region, in the New York City Field Office.  She works
primarily on stone monuments and masonry buildings: evaluating
conditions, preparing preservation plans, and executing
stabilization and repair treatments.  She is currently working on a
study examining biofilms and white marble.

Michaela Schmull, PhD., is a lichenologist and the Research and
Curatorial Associate at the Farlow Herbarium, Harvard University.
Her research interests include lichen ecology, biodiversity, and
systematics. She has taught classes in plant microscopy, plant
identification, and lichens and air pollution.

    <URL:http://www.eaglehill.us/programs/nhs/seminar-flyer-pdfs/2015Biofilms_JacobSchmull.pdf>

Note: members of AIC, APT, and AGS receive a 10% discount on
registration.

Application forms and information on lodging, meals, costs, and
scholarships can be found at

    <URL:http://www.eaglehill.us/programs/general/application-info.shtml>


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 28:34
                 Distributed: Tuesday, February 3, 2015
                       Message Id: cdl-28-34-011
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