Nature hidden in plain sight
From his South Minneapolis home, Minnesota Master Naturalist Tanner Barnharst doesn’t need to venture far to find the tiny ecological marvels that have captured his professional and personal attention. His recently released guide, “Minnesota Lichen Guide” — available in print and as a free e-book — reveals how these resilient organisms thrive in unexpected urban corners throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.
“People often view themselves as separate from nature, especially in cities,” says Barnharst. “Lichens help us understand that nature is all around us. They weren’t planted. They simply arise, telling us so much about the diversity of biology in our everyday environments.”
While Minnesota’s northeastern wilderness areas may represent the state’s lichen hotspots, Barnharst is passionate about helping city dwellers discover the rich lichen communities in their neighborhoods.
One of his favorite urban exploration sites sits at the busy intersection of Hennepin and 31st Street, where vibrant orange sunburst lichens flourish despite heavy traffic.
“The urban environment creates its own complexity,” notes Barnharst. “You can look at trees along the same boulevard, and they all have different communities of lichen spatially arranged. Each microhabitat tells its own story.”
Cemetery lichens tell monumental tales
Cemeteries rank among Barnharst’s most recommended urban lichen-hunting grounds. “Lakewood Cemetery’s northeast corner is exceptional,” he says. “The iron fence alone hosts at least a dozen species.” He explains that headstones and monuments create perfect lichen habitats: “They prefer cement, limestone and gritty surfaces. Cemeteries offer old, undisturbed areas, ideal conditions for an organism that grows millimeters a year.”
“Lichens help us understand that nature isn’t separate from us, it’s all around us, even in cities,” says Barnharst. “They help me ask questions and stay curious about our world. That’s what the Minnesota Master Naturalist program encourages in all of us.”
Accessible wonder for everyone
For Barnharst, the beauty of lichens lies in their accessibility. “Lichens are for everyone, everywhere,” he says. “You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate them. ‘It’s pretty’ or ‘soft’ are fantastic observations. The first step is simply to notice.”
Barnharst’s fascination with lichens began during his master’s research at the University of Minnesota (2018), where he studied synthetic lichens as a decontamination solution for fish farm wastewater. This scientific foundation evolved into a passion for education when he became a Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer in 2022.
Now, he channels his expertise into community classes, including a popular course on lichens for Minneapolis Community Education that quickly fills its limited spots.
For urban explorers, Barnharst recommends simple tools to enhance the experience. “A 10x magnifying loop is helpful, or even a $20 clip-on lens for your phone camera offers great magnification,” he suggests. “Nighttime is an excellent time for lichen observation. Try using a UV flashlight to see certain species light up with fluorescent colors.”
The “Minnesota Lichen Guide,” a collaboration with fellow naturalists including Zan Tomko and graphic designer Karen Kopacz, profiles 32 types of lichen found throughout the state. The free guide embodies Barnharst’s commitment to removing barriers to nature education.
Lichens on pollution patrol
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, urban lichens serve as valuable indicators of environmental health. “Lichens don’t have protective structures like bark or skin, making them excellent monitors for air pollution,” explains Barnharst, referencing ongoing research at the University of Minnesota by Professor Daniel Stanton that uses lichens to detect heavy metal contamination in urban areas.
Through his work with the Minnesota Master Naturalist program, Barnharst continues to champion these overlooked organisms throughout south Minneapolis and beyond. “Lichens are for everyone, everywhere,” he says. “I love bringing something overlooked into the spotlight. It’s about making invisible beauty visible.”
Five fascinating lichen facts from Tanner Barnharst
- Perfumer’s secret ingredient: Oak moss is a beloved base note in many classic perfumes, providing earthy, woody undertones. Contrary to its name, it’s not moss but a lichen.
- Highland colors: Scottish tartans, especially those featuring rich purples and reds that were historically difficult to produce from natural sources, often relied on lichen-derived dyes.
- Natural sunblock: The bright orange color of Xanthoria lichen, commonly found in Minnesota, comes from a pigment that protects the lichen against sun damage.
- Life on Mars? Lichens can survive in outer space for over a year. Their protective pigments block the deadly cosmic radiation. Once brought back to earth, they can go on growing and reproducing.
- Ecological pioneers: Lichens are among the first organisms to colonize after disasters like forest fires or volcanic eruptions, helping to rebuild ecosystems from scratch.
Find out more about Tanner and the Minnesota Lichen Guide.
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