Species of the Month

Methuselah's Beard Lichen

Methuselah's beard lichen (Usnea longissima), also known as old man's beard, is a beloved lichen that you likely know for it's impressive length and beard-like appearance. Despite its sparse presence in the Arboretum, keen observers can easily find it on our coniferous trees. Learn more about this distinct lichen:

• It consists of a central cord with perpendicular fibrils, looking almost like a feather boa.
• Methuselah's beard lichen can grow very long, up to three meters!
• It is extremely sensitive to pollution and can even be used as an indicator of air quality.
• Methuselah's beard lichen was previously abundant in northern Europe and was likely used decoratively as tinsel before habitat loss and air quality led to its decline.
• Traditionally, people have used it for bedding, wound care, diapers, and for filtering; while animals frequently use it as a nesting material.

Photo by Steve Sharnoff

Upcoming Nature Tours

All guided tours start at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum Education Building. Pre-registration is required. Members and kids under 4 are FREE, Non-Members $5 per person.

New Member Walk

Saturday, January 3rd 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Are you new to the Arboretum, or haven’t explored as much as you would like to? Join Development Manager Leisha Wood for a fun and easy paced introduction to the trails, exhibits, and natural habitat of this special place.



January Bird Tour

Sunday, January 11th 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Join Mieko Aoki and Julia Siporin for another monthly bird outing intended for people with all levels of birding experience. We’ll use vocalizations, habitat, and behavior clues for identification of our year-round and winter residents.

Lichen Tour

Saturday, January 17th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join lichenologist Daphne Stone on this popular tour through the Arboretum exploring lichens, their habitats, and ecology. Learn a few names and enjoy the moist winter air which makes the Pacific Northwest such a great place for lichens to grow.

Upcoming Work Parties

Become a steward of the Arboretum by helping us improve and maintain our facilities and habitat during our Work Parties! 

During Work Parties, volunteers help us keep our trails, facilities, and park clean, accessible, and beautiful! No experience is required to volunteer on these days, and we will provide tools, gloves, and a parking pass. 

All work parties meet at the bottom of the parking lot near the shop (just past the bright orange trailer). 

Wildflower Garden Work Party

Saturday, January 3rd 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Come out and help us on the Arboretum's birthday! We will be sprucing up the Patricia Baker Wildflower Garden for the upcoming blooming season. Tasks will include laying down new mulch, removing woody material, sheet mulching future planting beds, and remove some undesired plant species!

Upper Plateau Trail Work Party

Sunday, January 18th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us for annual maintenance on the Upper Plateau Trail which includes resurfacing, brushing out, tread work, and clearing ditches.

Get Involved

Want to make a difference in other ways? We are always looking for nature guides, trail stewards, park ambassador volunteers, and many other roles. Let's talk about how you can get involved with the Arboretum.

Learn more about some of the opportunities here.