Kingston Greenways Earth Day Cleanup

Join Kingston Greenways Association for their Earth Day Cleanup on Sunday, April 23, 2017, from 2 to 4 pm. This year KGA will tidy up the areas adjacent to Railroad and Greenwood Avenues, Division Street, Mapleton Road and Ridge Road in Kingston. In addition to the inevitable tossed and blown litter, KGA will be removing some larger trash that is not only unsightly but also could pose hazards to wildlife.

Coming from US 1, head west towards Kingston on Ridge Road (Doubletree Hotel is on the corner of this intersections), and take the first left on Railroad Avenue. From Route 27, turn onto Heathcote Road and go a quarter mile to just beyond the intersection of Heathcote, Ridge and Division, then turn right on Railroad Avenue. Parking for this volunteer event is along Railroad Avenue off Ridge Road. Grabbers, gloves, orange vests and garbage bags will be provided. For more information, visit the KGA website or call 609-683-0483.

(click to enlarge)

FPNL Arbor Day Celebration and Lichen Walk

Almost everyone has seen a lichen (pronounced "like-in"), but few people know much about these small plantlike beings that have no roots, stems or leaves. On Saturday, April 22, 2017, Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands will hold its Arbor Day Celebration and Lichen Walk. Dr. James Lendemer from the New York Botanical Gardens will lead a lichen walk in the Mapleton Preserve from 2 to 4 pm. He will identify and explain the importance of these unique and fascinating organisims—some of which are considered to be among the oldest living things. The walk begins at the D&R Canal State Park Headquarters, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston. The event is free and all are welcome. For more information, visit the  FPNL website or call 609-683-0483.

Lichens are a fusion of two unrelated organisms, usually a green algae and a fungus, that grow slowly and can be especially susceptible to habitat disruption. Many species are sensitive to air pollution, and lichens are used throughout the world to assess and monitor air quality. An important part of the food chain, lichens are also used by various animals as nesting materials, dyes, and medicines, and serve as a food source for reindeer and caribou.

Dr. Lendemer is a lichenologist at the New York Botanical Gardens. He currently serves as Assistant Curator of the Institute of Systemic Botany, which has the largest collection of lichens in the western hemisphere. His research on lichen biodiversity has been used to develop conservation management policy.