Biological Soil Crusts of Joshua Tree National Park
Biology x412.28, 1 unit
| Date/Time: | Saturday, October 17, 2 pm - 5 pm Sunday, October 18, 9 am - 5 pm |
| Meet at: | Oasis Visitor Center |
| Fee: | $85 ($75 JTNPA/PINE members) |
| Credit Fee: | $135 ($125 JTNPA/PINE members) |
| Instructor: | Nicole Pietrasiak, Ph.D. Candidate |
| Emphasis Biological Curst Ecology | |
| Hike Level: | Easy to Moderate |
The desert floor may just look like dirt and sand but it is full of living organisms vital to Joshua Tree National Park’s ecosystem. Nicole Pietrasiak, Ph.D. candidate, will introduce biological crusts and crust species in this two-day field class. Participants will be amazed at the secret life of these microscopic organisms as Peitrasiak demystifies this thin layer of life and discusses the components of crusts such as cyanobacteria (one of the oldest known life forms), green algae, diatoms, bacteria, fungi, lichens and mosses. During the field session, participants will walk approximately four miles to identify and assess the condition of some of the soil crust groups found in the park.
Microscopic photo by Nicole Pietrasiak
| Register Now | |
| Credit | Non-Credit |
| If you are a member of JTNPA/PINE click on the JTNPA/PINE Member button. If you are not a member you can become one by clicking here or register as a non-member by clicking on the Non-member button. | If you are a member of JTNPA/PINE click on the JTNPA/PINE Member button. If you are not a member you can become one by clicking here or register as a non-member by clicking on the Non-member button. |
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