International Association for Lichenology

Field Trips

Western Canada Lichen Foray 2023

Organization: Toby Spribille, Diane Haughland & Bruce McCune

Kananaskis Country, Alberta

We are pleased to announce the first Canadian IAL lichen foray in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Join us for a long weekend of lichen collecting, knowledge sharing and networking at the beautiful Barrier Lake Field Station near Calgary, Alberta.

When: Sept. 7–10, 2023

Where: Barrier Lake Field Station west of Calgary, Alberta, at the edge of beautiful Kananaskis Country.

Registration is open to members of the IAL. Not a member yet? It’s easy, click here to learn more or join.

Agenda: Lichenologists of all experience levels are welcome. Participants will have an opportunity to collect and photograph lichens during the day in groups of 8-12 and interact over microscopes and lichen literature in the afternoons and evenings. Participants will benefit from knowledge-sharing but the foray will not involve classes.

No on-site transportation is provided. Participants will carpool to and from field sites, and sign liability waivers for participation. Pre-scouted sites will be provided to participants as options covering a range of accessibility and difficulty.

What kinds of lichens to expect: the Kananaskis area is highly calcareous with a mixture of limestone, dolomite and calcareous sandstone. Elevations range from valley bottom to alpine tundra and weather permitting a wide range of sites will be included.

Price of registration: CDN$310.

Good to know: The facility is quite comfy, and the registration for the entire foray includes bunk lodging (with beds + sheets) and eight meals — dinner on arrival day, three meals Friday and Saturday, and breakfast Sunday. Dietary restrictions are of course accommodated.

Travel to Canada: entry requirements differ based on country of origin; U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport; detailed info on other countries here.

Registration: opened on May 15 and is limited to the first 30 registrations on a first come, first served basis. Click here to find out more details and register!

Download the announcement.