In this talk, Dr. Bungartz and students form the Biocollecions at Arizona State University will present an overview about these fascinating organisms in the Sonoran Desert Region. Dr. Bungartz will introduce the topic, presenting an introduction to the biology of lichenized fungi, where they are found and why they are ecologically important. Eduardo Gutierrez, who just graduated from the Universidad de Sonora in Hermosillo, will then showcase his discoveries of the lichen diversity along the coast of Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur - where he documented more than one hundred species.

Eduardo's presentation is followed by Aidan Yu, a high school student from Tempe's Corona del Sol High School, volunteering at ASU. At his young age, Aidan is already a renown wildlife photographer, the dual winner of the 2023 Arizona Highway photo competition. He is going to show us how advanced photography can be used to generate 3D models of lichen growth on rocks at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum - an innovative method, far more accurate than using conventional photography. Both Aidan and Eduardo have generously been supported by the Arizona Mushroom Society and their presentation will now be their chance to say: Thank you!