Gates of Lodore Trail Stop 3

Lichens are pioneers for soil.

NPS Photo/Conrad Provan

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In contrast to cheat grass, lichens have been here a long time. The colorful patches on the rocks at your feet are alive. They are made of fungi whose filaments can cling to smooth rock and secrete acids that release minerals and algae which take shelter in the fungi and manufacture food for them both. Lichen help to create new habitat by breaking down rock and by naturally decaying themselves, creating a layer of soil where new plants can take hold.