To encourage geocachers to visit the Kentucky-Alleyne provincial park, I decided to put another cache in the area. Unlike most of those in this park, this one is just a drive by and pick up cache. But aren't the rocks just stupendous here? Definitely worth stopping to admire them up close.
Many of the rocks are covered in a beautiful pattern of lichens. A lichen is made up of two parts: a fungus and a photosynthetic organism, which can be either a type of bacteria (cyanobacterium) or a plant (alga). It is thought that the fungus and the photosynthetic organism co-exist for their mutual benefit, that is, they have a symbiotic relationship; the alga manufactures food for itself and the fungus through photosynthesis while the fungus helps the alga by covering it and preventing it from drying out. However, there is now some question as to how mutual this relationship is because while the alga can survive on its own, the fungus has trouble growing and reproducing without its food-producing partner.
Lichens get most of their water and minerals from rainwater and air. This is why it can survive on bare rock, tree trunks and even on the bare ground. Lichens are so efficient at absorbing nutrients from the air that they can be used to monitor air quality. They play an important ecological role in breaking down rocks and beginning the process of soil formation.
CONGRATULATIONS, HOLLYHOCK HILLS, FOR BEING FTF.