Episode #5- Laura Boggess

The Climbing Advocate

This month’s guest was Laura Boggess, a professor, scientist, and yoga instructor based in Mars Hill, North Carolina. We discussed the importance and aesthetic of lichen at our cliffs. She doesn’t claim to be a lichen expert, but she is obviously very qualified and her passion for lichen is palpable. So how does climbing fit in? As cliff dwellers, climbers are often interacting with lichen at close proximity, which can pose challenges. As Laura explains, climbers have the opportunity to be good stewards while out climbing and to work with land managers to minimize their impacts on lichen communities while at the cliff. Not only does lichen play an integral role in the greater ecosystem, but it is also beautiful to look at! Laura encourages climbers to be more observant the next time they’re out at the crag. Enjoy! Cliff Ecology book: https://books.google.com/books/about/Cliff_Ecology.html?id=ZWjFU9ZiuIoC Climbing & Raptors: https://www.accessfund.org/open-gate-blog/its-nesting-season-give-raptors-space