Field Trip: Lichens of Henry Cowell SP Sandhills Nov 17, 2026
Date and time: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 10:00 AM to ~2:00 PM
Leader(s) and affiliation:
Kate Bauer, Lichen enthusiast with a degree in Botany
Dan Antonaccio, Field Trip Coordinator CNPS Santa Cruz Chapter
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Join Kate and Dan for an exploration of the lichen flora of the sandhills of Henry Cowell State Park. A lichen is a symbiotic colony made up of an algae or cyanobacteria partner (photobiont) wrapped in fungal threads (mycobiont), along with other yeasts and bacteria. Lichens stretch the definition of what it means to be an “organism.” There is a high diversity of these beings in the sandhills of Henry Cowell State Park, where ample winter rain and summer fog provide a particularly supportive habitat. They grow almost everywhere you look, from bare soil and rock to dead manzanita branches, redwood canopies, oak bark, and even directly on metal trail signs!
We’ll give a quick overview of lichen biology and then head out at a botany pace to see how many of these amazing beings we can find. We’ll bring some hand lenses to share, but feel free to bring your own.
Distance: ~4 miles, elevation gain: ~500 ft
Amenities: Water and bathrooms with flush toilets are available at the campground.
Directions: We will be meeting near the Henry Cowell State Park campground amphitheater off Graham Hill Road (note: NOT the main entrance off Highway 9) just inside the entrance to the campground. Parking is $10, but street parking along Graham Hill Road is free, with just a short walk into the park.
Bring: hand lens, water, hat, sunscreen, snack/lunch, shoes/clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, hiking poles (if desired for steep/sandy terrain).
Heavy rain cancels. An email will be sent by 7 p.m. the evening prior if the trip is canceled.
Waiver: You will be asked to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the field trip. You can review it ahead of time here but will sign in person at the field trip.
Practice clean trail etiquette. Pocket Guide – Every Step Counts and Cleanliness Tips for Hikers
Email Dan with any questions: daniel.antonaccio@gmail.com
Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 2018746997