Project:

Age-related variation in bark surface pH and its influence on Epiphytic Lichen Diversity in New York City

Students:

Baker Brodlieb, Nicholas Armstrong-Shakib, Tony Jin, Colin Poirier

School:

The Browning School, Manhattan

Mentors:

Akira Wong

Abstract:

Urban environments like New York City present unique challenges for ecosystem monitoring, where tree bark chemistry serves as a critical indicator of environmental health. While lichen sensitivity to substrate acidity is well-documented, the specific relationship between age-related bark pH variations and epiphytic lichen diversity remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate how age-driven chemical changes in bark surface pH influence lichen species composition in Central Park. We will survey trees across three sampling sites, collecting bark and lichen samples to measure surface acidity using flat surface electrode pH meters and identify lichen species through DNA barcoding (ITS primer set) and Sanger sequencing. Data will be analyzed using chi-square tests to evaluate correlations between tree age, bark pH, and lichen diversity. By establishing a link between bark chemistry and lichen composition, this research seeks to validate a non-invasive, scalable bio-indicator tool f