Parking Lot Lichen Walk

About the Facilitators

Mustafa Saifuddin is a Visiting Assistant Professor with XE: Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement at New York University. Mustafa is an ecologist with a particular interest in microbial ecology, mycorrhizal fungi, soil biogeochemistry, and environmental and climate justice. 

Sophia Rizzolo is a recent graduate from New York University’s XE: Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement. Her award winning Master’s thesis considered urban lichen as lively collaborators. Sophia is an artist whose work gestures toward a new kind of politics—more just figurations of relating—grounded in collaboration beyond the boundaries of animacy, species, and the confines of symbolism.

Objective

Lichen shape the world as we know it—their ability to flourish in disturbed places over long periods of time can build the soil necessary for other vegetation to emerge. Comprised of algae, fungi, and other organisms, lichen were among the first symbioses to be described, radically changing the ways in which we think of individuality, mortality, evolution, and species classification. In this parking lot lichen walk, we will search for lichen in the crevices of concrete and observe them through microscopy as a way to reflect on beauty in overlooked spaces. We will learn more about symbioses, consider their ability to transform the environment in a rapidly changing world, and dream of symbiotic futures together. 

What's Included

• Magnifying loupes
• Lichen Guidebook
• Microscopes

What to Bring

• Water bottle
• Comfortable Shoes

Disclaimer

This is a 1.5-hour, moving, workshop. Wheelchair accessible.

 If weather is inclement, we will email participants 2 hours before the start of the event.

**You will receive an email 2 days prior to the program with location and meet-up details.